hCAP‐18, a cathelin/pro‐bactenecin‐like protein of human neutrophil specific granules

Abstract

A 19 kDa protein was identified in specific granules of human neutrophils. A full‐length cDNA clone was isolated from a human CML cDNA library, based on amino‐acid sequences of isolated tryptic fragments. This clone includes the recently identified cDNA for FALL‐39/CAP‐18. Aminoacid sequences of proteolytic fragments derived both from the conserved N‐terminal cathelin‐like region and the highly variable C‐terminal region characteristic of this family of bactericidal, LPS binding proteins, were in complete agreement with the sequence deduced from the cDNA. Thus, the 19 kDa protein is hCAP‐18, stored as a ‘pro‐peptide’ in specific granules.