Eosinophil cationic protein

The eosinophil cationic protein ( eosinophil cationic protein german, ECP) is a produced by the human body and antibiotic Anthelminthicum. It is selectively synthesized in eosinophilic granulocytes. It is next to EDN one of the main components of the eosinophien granules. Both proteins are ribonucleases of the RNase superfamily A. Similar RNases are found in all vertebrates.

Effect

ECP is secreted by eosinophils into the surrounding tissue in the context of inflammation and acts locally cytotoxic included various bacteria and parasites, as well as the body's own cells, for example on the epithelium in the airways.

Medical importance

The eosinophil granulocytes play an important role in the pathogenesis of bronchial asthma. There is a close correlation between the number of eosinophils and the concentration of ECP. Since a correlation between the ECP concentration in the blood and the degree of asthma severity is, this parameter can contribute to the progress of a asthma therapy, for example.

  • Nuclease
  • Allergology
Human Genome Organisation Anthelmintic
310016
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