Human beta defensin is absent in burn blister fluid

Defensins are a family of cationic antimicrobial peptides that participate in innate host defence. Human beta defensin-2 (HBD-2) is produced by human keratinocytes, and has a potent bactericidal activity against a wide spectrum of microorganisms. We have recently shown that expression of HBD-2 is pr...

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Bibliographic Details
Published in:Burns 2000-12, Vol.26 (8), p.724-726
Main Authors: Ortega, M.R., Ganz, T., Milner, S.M.
Format: Article
Language:English
Subjects:
Adolescent
Aged
Aged, 80 and over
Antimicrobial peptides
beta-Defensins - analysis
Biological and medical sciences
Blister - immunology
Blister - metabolism
Blister fluid
Blotting, Western
Burns
Burns - immunology
Burns - metabolism
Defensins
Enzyme-Linked Immunosorbent Assay
Exudates and Transudates - chemistry
Female
Humans
Male
Medical sciences
Middle Aged
Sensitivity and Specificity
Sepsis
Traumas. Diseases due to physical agents
Wound Healing - immunology
Wound Healing - physiology
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Summary:Defensins are a family of cationic antimicrobial peptides that participate in innate host defence. Human beta defensin-2 (HBD-2) is produced by human keratinocytes, and has a potent bactericidal activity against a wide spectrum of microorganisms. We have recently shown that expression of HBD-2 is present in normal skin and lost in the full-thickness burn wound. Defensins have been found in the blister fluid of chronic wounds. Our study was designed to examine blister fluid from partial-thickness burns for defensin content. Fluid from five patients was collected from partial-thickness burn blisters, and then analysed by sandwich Enzyme-Linked Immunosorbent Assay (ELISA) with a monoclonal antibody and rabbit polyclonal antibody to HBD-2. The assay was validated against a Western blot assay for HBD-2 in samples of bronchoalveolar lavage fluid from patients with inflammatory lung disease. No HBD-2 was detectable in any of the burn blister fluids analysed. HBD-2 is lost in the full-thickness burn wound, and we have now demonstrated its absence in burn blister fluid. This finding represents evidence of a host defence defect within the burn wound and suggests a possible therapeutic role for antimicrobial peptides in the management of burn wounds.
ISSN:0305-4179
1879-1409
DOI:10.1016/S0305-4179(00)00052-8