A review of ribonuclease 7's structure, regulation, and contributions to host defense

B Becknell, JD Spencer - International journal of molecular sciences, 2016 - mdpi.com
B Becknell, JD Spencer
International journal of molecular sciences, 2016mdpi.com
The Ribonuclease A Superfamily is composed of a group of structurally similar peptides that
are secreted by immune cells and epithelial tissues. Several members of the Ribonuclease
A Superfamily demonstrate antimicrobial activity, and it has been suggested that some of
these ribonucleases play an essential role in host defense. Ribonuclease 7 (RNase 7) is an
epithelial-derived secreted peptide with potent broad-spectrum antimicrobial activity. This
review summarizes the published literature on RNase 7's antimicrobial properties, structure …
The Ribonuclease A Superfamily is composed of a group of structurally similar peptides that are secreted by immune cells and epithelial tissues. Several members of the Ribonuclease A Superfamily demonstrate antimicrobial activity, and it has been suggested that some of these ribonucleases play an essential role in host defense. Ribonuclease 7 (RNase 7) is an epithelial-derived secreted peptide with potent broad-spectrum antimicrobial activity. This review summarizes the published literature on RNase 7’s antimicrobial properties, structure, regulation, and contributions to host defense. In doing so, we conclude by highlighting key knowledge gaps that must be investigated to completely understand the potential of developing RNase 7 as a novel therapeutic for human infectious diseases.
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