CAMP Gene

The CAMP gene (CAMP stands for "Cathelicidin Antimicrobial Peptide") is a protein-coding gene located on chromosome 3p21.31.

The CAMP gene encodes a member of an antimicrobial peptide family characterized by a highly conserved N-terminal signal peptide with a catheline domain and a structurally variable cationic antimicrobial peptide(LL37). This is formed from the C-terminus by extracellular proteolysis.

The protein plays an important role in defending innate immunity against viruses. In addition to its antibacterial, antifungal, and antiviral activities, the encoded protein is involved in cell chemotaxis, induction of immune mediators, and regulation of inflammatory responses.

Binds to bacterial lipopolysaccharides (LPS) and has antibacterial activity (Li X Li Y et al. 2006). Acts via neutrophil N-formyl peptide receptors to increase CXCL2 release (Woloszynek JC et al 2021).

1. Frasca L et al (2018) Anti-LL37 Antibodies Are Present in Psoriatic Arthritis (PsA) Patients: New Biomarkers in PsA. Front Immunol 9:1936.

2. Garcia-Orue I et al. (2016) LL37 loaded nanostructured lipid carriers (NLC): A new strategy for the topical treatment of chronic wounds.Eur J Pharm Biopharm doi: 10.1016/j.ejpb.2016.04.006.

3. Lee JB et al.(2016) Light Emitting Diodes Down-regulates Cathelicidin, Kallikrein, and Toll-like Receptor 2 Expressions in Keratinocytes and Rosacea-like Mouse Skin. Exp Dermatol doi: 10.1111/exd.13133.

4. Li X Li Y et al (2006) Solution structures of human LL-37 fragments and NMR-based identification of a minimal membrane-targeting antimicrobial and anticancer region. J Am Chem Soc 1285776-5785.

5. Woloszynek JC et al (2021) Cathepsin G-regulated release of formyl peptide receptor agonists modulate neutrophil effector functions. J Biol Chem 287:34101-34109.