Skin and Mucosal Proteins

Skin and mucosal proteins are a diverse group of molecules primarily involved in forming protective barriers at the body's interfaces with the environment, such as the skin and mucous membranes. These proteins play crucial roles in structural integrity, immune defense, signaling, and maintaining homeostasis across various tissues including skin, oral cavity, digestive tract lining (mucosa), respiratory tract, and reproductive organs. They are not a single target but rather a class of structurally diverse molecules critical for barrier function and innate/adaptive immunity at body-environment interfaces. Their composition varies by tissue type but commonly includes structural scaffolding elements plus secreted factors mediating defense against pathogens.

Other names

Epithelial barrier proteinsMucosal barrier proteinsSkin proteinsMucosal proteins