Siderocalin (Lcn 2) Also Binds Carboxymycobactins, Potentially Defending against Mycobacterial Infections through Iron Sequestration
Holmes, M.A., Paulsene, W., Jide, X., Ratledge, C., Strong, R.K.(2005) Structure 13: 29-41
- PubMed: 15642259 
- DOI: https://doi.org/10.1016/j.str.2004.10.009
- Primary Citation of Related Structures:  
1X71, 1X89, 1X8U - PubMed Abstract: 
Siderocalin, a member of the lipocalin family of binding proteins, is found in neutrophil granules, uterine secretions, and at markedly elevated levels in serum and synovium during bacterial infection; it is also secreted from epithelial cells in response to inflammation or tumorigenesis. Identification of high-affinity ligands, bacterial catecholate-type siderophores (such as enterochelin), suggested a possible function for siderocalin: an antibacterial agent, complementing the general antimicrobial innate immune system iron-depletion strategy, sequestering iron as ferric siderophore complexes. Supporting this hypothesis, siderocalin is a potent bacteriostatic agent in vitro under iron-limiting conditions and, when knocked out, renders mice remarkably susceptible to bacterial infection. Here we show that siderocalin also binds soluble siderophores of mycobacteria, including M. tuberculosis: carboxymycobactins. Siderocalin employs a degenerate recognition mechanism to cross react with these dissimilar types of siderophores, broadening the potential utility of this innate immune defense.
Organizational Affiliation: 
Division of Basic Sciences, Fred Hutchinson Cancer Research Center, 1100 Fairview Avenue North, Seattle, Washington 98109, USA.