Azurocidin -- Inactive Serine Proteinase Homolog Acting As a Multifunctional Inflammatory Mediator

Azurocidin, also known as cationic antimicrobial protein 37 kDa (CAP37) or heparin-binding protein (HBP) is an inactive homolog of serine proteinases residing in granulocytes. The ability to cleave peptide bond was lost due to replacement of two of the three residues from the conserved catalytic triad characteristic for serine proteinases. Azurocidin has a broad spectrum of antimicrobial activity, mainly against Gram-negative bacteria. It is also recognized as a multifunctional inflammatory mediator for its contracting effects on endothelial cells causing an increase of vascular permeability, capacity to bind endotoxin and ability to attract monocytes to inflammation sites.