Output details

Structural characterisation of ligand-binding determinants in human lung surfactant protein D: influence of Asp325.

The surfactant proteins are central to the lungs front-line defence against pathogens with recombinant fragments of SP-D having established therapeutic potential. The design of these proteins requires detailed definition of how they select, recognise and bind pathogens within the lung and this work shows for the first time the key role played by Asp325. This work, part of our major collaboration with Oxford and Southampton and the world-leader Ken Reid, informs the work on therapeutic potential of surfactant proteins, for example, the enhancement of SP-D to combat influenza A virus and in the treatment of neonatal lung disease.