Mammalian heme peroxidase enzymes play a critical role in innate immune responses and disease prevention. The formation of potent chemical oxidants is essential to this protective physiologic activity in immunity. Although highly beneficial in the context of immune defense, it is now well established that peroxidases and their overproduction of oxidants contribute to the initiation and persistence of many chronic inflammatory conditions in the cardiovascular, neurologic, respiratory, renal, and gastrointestinal systems. Peroxidasins, a protein family related to heme peroxidases, play a novel role in tissue biogenesis and matrix assembly, which are also attracting attention in different pathological contexts. Given the diverse roles of mammalian heme peroxidases and the breadth and incidence of pathologies associated with these enzymes, there has been significant interest in modulating peroxidase activity as a therapeutic strategy. This book highlights recent developments in our understanding of the chemistry, biochemistry and biological roles of mammalian peroxidases and their associated oxidants, their involvement in both innate immunity and chronic inflammatory disease in a variety of end organs, and potential therapeutic approaches to modulate and prevent damaging reactions.

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