Eosinophil-derived neurotoxin (RNASE2)

Eosinophil-derived neurotoxin (RNASE2) is an enzyme of the ribonuclease A family, primarily secreted by eosinophil granulocytes in humans[1]. It exerts broad antiviral activity by selectively degrading single-stranded RNA from both viruses and host cells, showing specificity for pyrimidines at defined cleavage sites[3][5]. Apart from direct antiviral effects, RNASE2 also functions in immune regulation, acting as a chemoattractant to immune cells and promoting cytokine release such as IL-10, thereby affecting B cell differentiation and immune response[1][2]. It is highly expressed in conditions such as systemic lupus erythematosus (SLE), where it correlates with disease activity and immune cell expansion[2]. As a neurotoxin, it may contribute to neurological symptoms under some pathological conditions. RNASE2 has not yet been established as a direct therapeutic target for marketed drugs; however, recombinant RNASE2 is under investigation for its antiviral properties[5]. Its ribonucleolytic and cytotoxic activity present safety challenges for therapeutic development, especially related to immune-mediated tissue damage[1][2][5].

Other names

Non-secretory ribonucleaseRNASE2EDNRNS2RNase 2RAF3Eosinophil-derived neurotoxinRNase UpI-2Ribonuclease 2Ribonuclease USribonuclease A F3Ribonucleaseribonuclease, RNase A family, 2 (liver, eosinophil-derived neurotoxin)

Not targeted by approved drugs. Its activity is antagonized by ribonuclease inhibitors (which block its enzymatic and antiviral effects). Recombinant RNASE2 (rhEDN) is used experimentally as an antiviral agent.