S100-A8 (also known as calgranulin A) belongs to the S100 calcium-binding family and plays a prominent role in the regulation of inflammatory processes and immune response []. S100A8 forms a heterocomplex with S100A9, termed S100A8/A9 or calprotectin. The intracellular functions of S100A8/A9 include: facilitating leukocyte arachidonic acid trafficking and metabolism, modulation of the tubulin-dependent cytoskeleton during migration of phagocytes and activation of the neutrophilic NADPH-oxidase [, , , ]. The extracellular functions of S100A8/A9 involve proinfammatory, antimicrobial, oxidant-scavenging and apoptosis-inducing activities [, ]. S100A8 and S100A9 may also have distinct functions and are regulated in part by different mechanisms [].
