Proteins with a BPI/LBP/Plunc-like domain: Revisiting the old and characterizing the new 2011

This meeting will focus on the biology of a recently expanded family of proteins that share a single structural domain: The Lipopolysaccharide-binding protein (LBP) / Bactericidal permeability-increasing protein (BPI) / Cholesteryl ester transfer protein (CETP) (LBP/BPI/ CETP) domain has long been associated with mammalian proteins known to function as lipopolysaccharide-binding and lipid transfer/transport proteins. This family contains a significantly expanded branch known as PLUNCs or BPI-Like proteins, which are expressed in oral and airway mucosa and have been suggested to perform host defence functions at mucosal sites. Expansion of this family of proteins has also recently occurred following analysis of the genomes of a range of lower vertebrates, including fish and birds and also into invertebrates. The functions of these proteins in these organisms are unknown but some are associated with lipid binding. This meeting will broadly address what is known about this interesting protein superfamily and identify the gaps in our knowledge to stimulate new research. The programme is designed to bring together scientists from a wide range of disciplines to share current knowledge and discuss future directions. Thus, it is envisioned that this meeting will highlight key structural and functional aspects of the proteins that contain the LBP/BPI/ CETP domain.