Novel insights into the biological function of mast cell carboxypeptidase A

Abstract

When mast cells are activated they can respond by releasing their secretory granule compounds, including mast cell-specific proteases of chymase, tryptase and carboxypeptidase A (MC-CPA) type. MC-CPA is a dominant protein component of the mast cell granule and the MC-CPAgene is extremely highly expressed. Despite this, relatively little has been known of its biological function. However, the recent generation of mouse strains lacking MC-CPA has opened up new possibilities for investigations related to this protease. This recent development has revealed a role for MC-CPA in regulating innate immunity responses, including the degradation of harmful substances such as the vasoconstrictive factor endothelin 1 and snake venom toxins. Here, we summarize the current knowledge of MC-CPA.

Published in

Trends in Immunology
2009, Volume: 30, number: 8, pages: 401-408

SLU Authors

• Pejler, Gunnar

  • Department of Animal Biosciences, Swedish University of Agricultural Sciences
    

• Knight, Stefan David

  • Department of Molecular Biology, Swedish University of Agricultural Sciences
    

• Wernersson, Sara

  • Department of Animal Biosciences, Swedish University of Agricultural Sciences
    

UKÄ Subject classification

Animal and Dairy Science
Veterinary Science


Publication identifier

DOI: https://doi.org/10.1016/j.it.2009.04.008

Permanent link to this page (URI)

https://res.slu.se/id/publ/27732