Description
Calprotectin, also known as MRP-8/MRP-14 or S100A8/A9 heterocomplex, is formed out of the calcium-binding, migration inhibitory factor-related proteins, MRP-8 (S100A8) and MRP-14 (S100A9). The expression of these proteins is largely confined to the cytosol of neutrophils and monocytes. The complex formation of these proteins is calcium-dependent. Calprotectin comprises 60% of the cytoplasmic protein fraction of circulating polymorphonuclear granulocytes and is also found in monocytes, macrophages and ileal tissue eosinophils. Peripheral blood monocytes carry the antigen extra- and intracellularly, neutrophils only intracellularly. Calprotectin has antibacterial, antifungal, immunomodulating and antiproliferative effects. Furthermore, it is a potent chemotactic factor for neutrophils. Plasma concentrations are elevated in diseases associated with increased neutrophil activity. During intestinal wall inflammation, granulocytes transmigrate through the intestinal wall. Therefore Calprotectin is also detectable in feces. Several investigations report that fecal Calprotectin is significantly increased in intestinal diseases such as inflammatory bowel disease (IBD), Crohn´s disease, ulcerative colitis and colon cancer. In the literature it is described that normal human plasma contains a Calprotectin concentration ranging from ~100 to 3,000 ng/ml