Vernix caseosa as a multi-component defence system based on polypeptides, lipids and their interactions.

Vernix caseosa as a multi-component defence system based on polypeptides, lipids and their interactions. Research Abstract Details 

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Vernix caseosa as a multi-component defence system based on polypeptides, lipids and their interactions. Abstract Text:

Vernix caseosa is a white cream-like substance that covers the skin of the foetus and the newborn baby. Recently, we discovered antimicrobial peptides/proteins such as LL-37 in vernix, suggesting host defence functions of vernix. In a proteomic approach, we have continued to characterize proteins in vernix and have identified 20 proteins, plus additional variant forms. The novel proteins identified, considered to be involved in host defence, are cystatin A, UGRP-1, and calgranulin A, B and C. These proteins add protective functions to vernix such as antifungal activity, opsonizing capacity, protease inhibition and parasite inactivation. The composition of the lipids in vernix has also been characterized and among these compounds the free fatty acids were found to exhibit antimicrobial activity. Interestingly, the vernix lipids enhance the antimicrobial activity of LL-37 in vitro, indicating interactions between lipids and antimicrobial peptides in vernix. In conclusion, vernix is a balanced cream of compounds involved in host defence, protecting the foetus and newborn against infection.

Vernix caseosa as a multi-component defence system based on polypeptides, lipids and their interactions. Publishing Authors By Initials

For similar fluids and secretions: bodily secretions: vernix caseosa research abstracts see: fluids and secretions: bodily secretions: vernix caseosa research

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Vernix caseosa as a multi-component defence system based on polypeptides, lipids and their interactions. Journal Published:

PUBLICATION TYPE: Research Support, Non-U.S. Gov

Journal: Cellular and molecular life sciences : CMLS

VOLUME: 62

Page Numbers: 2390-9

Journal Abbreviation: Cell. Mol. Life Sci.

ISSN: 1420-682X

DAY: 28

MONTH: Oct

YEAR: 2005

Vernix caseosa as a multi-component defence system based on polypeptides, lipids and their interactions. Information

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LANGUAGE: eng

NlmUniqueID: 9705402

Vernix caseosa as a multi-component defence system based on polypeptides, lipids and their interactions. Keywords Mesh Terms:

KEYWORDS: Vernix Caseosa

MESH TERMS: metabolism

Chemical & Substance for Abstract: Vernix caseosa as a multi-component defence system based on polypeptides, lipids and their interactions. Information

Substance Name: Chlorhexidine

Registry Number: 55-56-1

Grant and Affiliation Information for Vernix caseosa as a multi-component defence system based on polypeptides, lipids and their interactions.

AFFILIATION: Department of Medical Biochemistry and Biophysics, Karolinska Institutet, 171 77, Stockholm, Sweden.

Country: Switzerland

AGENCY: United Kingdom Biotechnol

GRANT: BB/C515771/1

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MEDLINETA: Cell Mol Life Sci

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Vernix caseosa as a multi-component defence system based on polypeptides, lipids and their interactions Related Publications

• The role of the multifunctional peptide LL-37 in host defense.
• Vernix caseosa as a multi-component defence system based on polypeptides, lipids and their interactions.
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