Proteoglycan 2 (PRG2) (PRG2)

Proteoglycan 2 (PRG2), also known as Eosinophil granule major basic protein (MBP) or Pregnancy-associated major basic protein (pMBP), is a highly basic (cationic) protein primarily found in the granules of eosinophils and produced in large quantities by the placenta during pregnancy. In its pro-form (pMBP), it circulates in maternal blood and is thought to play a role in uterine-placental development and immune regulation by forming a complex with and inhibiting the metalloproteinase PAPP-A. However, excessive or misplaced release of the mature, toxic MBP can cause significant tissue damage and inflammation. It is implicated in various eosinophil-mediated diseases such as asthma, eosinophilic esophagitis, and vernal keratoconjunctivitis, as well as pregnancy-related complications like preeclampsia. Therapeutic strategies, such as those being developed by NexEos Bio (e.g., gleceparin sodium), aim to neutralize the toxic effects of this cationic protein to treat inflammatory and maternal health conditions.

Other names

Eosinophil granule major basic proteinMajor basic proteinMBPPregnancy-associated major basic proteinpMBPPregnancy-associated cationic proteinBone marrow proteoglycan

Neutralization of cationic protein toxicity and inhibition of pro-MBP mediated regulation of PAPP-A