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The neutrophil NADPH oxidase
B M Babior1, J D Lambeth, W Nauseef
1The Scripps Research Institute, La Jolla, California 92037, USA.
Archives of Biochemistry and Biophysics
|February 14, 2002
Summary
The NADPH oxidase enzyme complex in phagocytes activates upon component assembly for antimicrobial functions. Its regulation and potential roles in nonphagocytic cells are key research areas.
Area of Science:
- Biochemistry
- Cell Biology
- Immunology
Background:
- The phagocyte NADPH oxidase is a multicomponent enzyme essential for microbial killing.
- It comprises five protein components, with two membrane-bound and three cytosolic.
Purpose of the Study:
- To summarize the assembly, regulation, and function of the phagocyte NADPH oxidase.
- To highlight recent findings on homologs in nonphagocytic cells.
Main Methods:
- Literature review and synthesis of existing research on NADPH oxidase.
- Analysis of recent studies identifying NADPH oxidase homologs.
Main Results:
- The enzyme complex is inactive in resting cells and assembles upon stimulation.
- Regulation ensures controlled activation for specific cellular events.
- Homologs of a membrane component are found in nonphagocytic cells.
Conclusions:
- The phagocyte NADPH oxidase is a tightly regulated system crucial for innate immunity.
- The discovery of homologs suggests broader biological roles for this enzyme system beyond phagocytes.