| abstract |
(57) Summary Surfactant protein D (SP-D) is a 43 kDa member of the collectin family of collagenous lectin domain-containing proteins expressed in lung epithelial cells. The SP-D gene was targeted by homologous recombination in embryonic stem cells used to generate SP-D (-/-) mice. SP-D (-/-) deficiency caused inflammation, increased oxidant production by isolated alveolar macrophages, aberrant surfactant structure and levels, and reduced SP-A expression. Thus, SP-D (-/-) mice are disclosed as an excellent model for emphysema. Also included are models for testing emphysema therapy in mouse models, treatments for emphysema and pulmonary infections, and methods for use of SP-D protein or DNA as a diagnostic. |