S100A8 and S100A9 in inflammation and cancer

Biochem Pharmacol. 2006 Nov 30;72(11):1622-31. doi: 10.1016/j.bcp.2006.05.017. Epub 2006 Jul 17.

Abstract

Calprotectin (S100A8/A9), a heterodimer of the two calcium-binding proteins S100A8 and S100A9, was originally discovered as immunogenic protein expressed and secreted by neutrophils. Subsequently, it has emerged as important pro-inflammatory mediator in acute and chronic inflammation. More recently, increased S100A8 and S100A9 levels were also detected in various human cancers, presenting abundant expression in neoplastic tumor cells as well as infiltrating immune cells. Although, many possible functions have been proposed for S100A8/A9, its biological role still remains to be defined. Altogether, its expression and potential cytokine-like function in inflammation and in cancer suggests that S100A8/A9 may play a key role in inflammation-associated cancer.

Publication types

  • Research Support, Non-U.S. Gov't
  • Review

MeSH terms

  • Animals
  • Calgranulin A / immunology
  • Calgranulin A / metabolism*
  • Calgranulin B / immunology
  • Calgranulin B / metabolism*
  • Carcinoma, Squamous Cell / immunology
  • Carcinoma, Squamous Cell / metabolism*
  • Carcinoma, Squamous Cell / pathology
  • Humans
  • Inflammation / immunology
  • Inflammation / metabolism*
  • Mice
  • Neutrophils / metabolism
  • Neutrophils / pathology
  • Skin Neoplasms / immunology
  • Skin Neoplasms / metabolism*
  • Skin Neoplasms / pathology

Substances

  • Calgranulin A
  • Calgranulin B