Expression of components of the superoxide generating NADPH oxidase by human leucocytes and other cells

Summary NADPH oxidase of phagocytic leucocytes contains a membrane cytochromeb with two subunits, gp91^phox and p22^phox, together with three cytosolic proteins, p47^phox, p67^phox and p2^rac. The presence of some of these components has been sought in non-phagocytes, using Western blot analysis for protein expression and PCR to amplify and detect mRNA. All components were detected in EBV-transformed B lymphocytes and peripheral blood B lymphocytes. Fibroblasts and human kidney mesangial cells contained mRNA for p67^phox, p47^phox, and p22^phox but not gp91^phox. Levels of expression varied with growth conditions, but it appears possible than an isozyme of cytochromeb which lacks gp9^phox is present in these cells. Proteins of p47^phox and p67^phox were expressed, in low concentrations, in these two cell types. Expression of mRNA for p47^phox and p67^phox was found to be widespread in many cell types.Abbreviations IL-1 interleukin 1 - PMA phorbol myristate acetate - CGD chronic granulomatous disease - EBV-BL Epstein-Barr virus transformed B-lymphocytes - PBBL peripheral blood B lymphocytes