The Host Defense Peptide LL-37 Selectively Permeabilizes Apoptotic Leukocytes (original) (raw)

In the latter cell type, LL-37 permeabilized both the plasma and granule membranes, resulting in the release of both lactate dehydrogenase and myeloperoxidase. Apoptosis is a way for inflammatory cells to die silently and minimize collateral tissue damage by retaining tissue-damaging and proinflammatory substances within intact membranes. Permeabilization of apoptotic leukocytes by LL-37, accompanied by the leakage of cytoplasmic as well as intragranular molecules, may thus shift the balance between pro-and anti-inflammatory signals and in this way be of importance for the termination of acute inflammation.