Secretory Leukocyte Protease Inhibitor (SLPI)

At first glance, secretory leukocyte protease inhibitor (SLPI) would appear to have little relevance to the central nervous system (CNS). This serine protease inhibitor is most commonly found in mucosal fluids such as saliva and is best known for its anti-inflammatory and antimicrobial properties. It has been shown to promote wound healing by reducing expression of pro-inflammatory cytokines, and it can also inhibit bacterial growth and block HIV infection of macrophages. In the past 10 years, however, several studies have reported that SLPI is strongly up-regulated in response to CNS injury and that exogenous administration of SLPI is neuroprotective. It has also been shown that SLPI can overcome inhibition by CNS myelin and promote axonal regeneration. In this review, we will discuss these studies, examine the molecular mechanisms underlying SLPI’s effects, and consider SLPI’s potential for therapeutic use in cerebral ischemia, spinal cord injury, and multiple sclerosis.