Abstract
The eosinophil-derived neurotoxin (EDN/RNase2) and its divergent orthologs, the mouse eosinophil-associated RNases (mEars), are prominent secretory proteins of eosinophilic leukocytes and are all members of the larger family of RNase A-type ribonucleases. While EDN has broad antiviral activity, targeting RNA viruses via mechanisms that may require enzymatic activity, more recent studies have elucidated how these RNases may generate host defense via roles in promoting leukocyte activation, maturation, and chemotaxis. This review provides an update on recent discoveries, and highlights the versatility of this family in promoting innate immunity.
Highlights
The eosinophil-derived neurotoxin (EDN/RNase 2) is one of the four major secretory proteins found in the specific granules of the human eosinophilic leukocyte (Figure 1)
EDN expression has been detected in cells other than eosinophils, monocytes and dendritic cells as well as in basophils and neutrophils, this protein is best known as an eosinophil constituent and is present in this cell in comparatively high concentration [3]
As liver tissue is enriched with cells of the monocyte/macrophage lineage, this leukocyte lineage may be the source of liver EDN/RNase 2
Summary
The eosinophil-derived neurotoxin (EDN/RNase 2) is one of the four major secretory proteins found in the specific granules of the human eosinophilic leukocyte (Figure 1). EDN, and its more highly charged and cytotoxic paralog, the eosinophil cationic protein (ECP/RNase 3) are released from eosinophil granules when these cells are activated by cytokines and other proinflammatory mediators [1,2]. The central core of the eosinophil specific granule contains the cationic major basic protein (MBP). The remaining major cationic proteins, including EDN, ECP and EPX, as well as cytokines, chemokines, growth factors and enzymes are localized in the peripheral portion of the granule; original magnification 6000×. As liver tissue is enriched with cells of the monocyte/macrophage lineage (and not eosinophils), this leukocyte lineage may be the source of liver (and urinary) EDN/RNase 2
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