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Updated: May 20, 2026

Three-Dimensional Cell Culture Models to Investigate the Epithelial Barrier in Eosinophilic Esophagitis
Published on: May 10, 2024
Eosinophil cationic protein: overview of biological and genetic features
Paula Cristina Rabelo de Oliveira1, Priscila Oliveira de Lima, Denise Tostes Oliveira
1Federal University of São João Del Rei, Campus Centro-Oeste Dona Lindu, Divinópolis, Minas Gerais, Brazil.
Abstract:
The eosinophil cationic protein (ECP) is a small polypeptide that originates from activated eosinophil granulocytes. A wide range of stimuli has been shown to induce the secretion of ECP. The gene that encodes the human ECP is located on chromosome 14, and the protein shares the overall three-dimensional structure and the RNase active-site residues with other proteins in the RNase A superfamily. Several single-nucleotide polymorphisms in the human ECP gene have been currently described. ECP has many biological functions, including an immunoregulatory function, the regulation of fibroblast activity, and the induction of mucus secretion in the airway. Additionally, the protein is a potent cytotoxic molecule and has the capacity to kill mammalian and nonmammalian cells. The purpose of this article was to review the known biological and genetic characteristics of ECP that contribute to the understanding of this protein's role in the development and progression of a wide variety of diseases.
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