Gp-340/DMBT1 in mucosal innate immunity

Deleted in Malignant Brain Tumour 1 (DMBT1) is a gene that encodes alternatively spliced proteins involved in mucosal innate immunity. It also encodes a glycoprotein with a molecular mass of 340 kDa, and is referred to as gp-340 (DMBT1(gp340)) and salivary agglutinin (DMBT1(SAG)). DMBT1(gp340) is secreted into broncho-alveolar surface lining fluid whereas DMBTSAG is present in the saliva. The two molecules were shown to be identical and both interact with and agglutinate several Gram-negative and Gram-positive bacteria including Streptococcus mutans, a bacterium responsible for caries in the oral cavity. DMBT1(gp340) interacts with surfactant proteins A and D (SP-D). DMBT1(gp340) and SP-D can individually and together interact and agglutinate influenza A virus. DMBT1(gp340) also binds to HIV-1 and facilitates transcytosis of the virus into epithelial cells. DMBT1 binds to a variety of other host proteins, including serum and secretory IgA, C1q, lactoferrin, MUC5B and trefoil factor 2 (TFF2), all molecules with involvement in innate immunity and/or wound-healing processes. Recent generation of Dmbt1-deficient mice has provided the research field of DMBT1 with a model that allows research to progress from in vitro studies to in vivo functional studies of the multifunctional proteins encoded by the DMBT1 gene.