Surfactant protein D (SP-D) is a 43-kDa member of the collectin family ofcollagenous lectin domain-containing proteins that is expressed in epithelialcells of the lung. The SP-D gene was targeted by homologous recombination inembryonic stem cells that were used to produce SP-D (-/-) mice. The SP-D (-/-)deficiency caused inflammation, increased oxidant production by isolatedalveolar macrophages, abnormal surfactant structure and levels, and decreasedSP-A expression. Therefore, disclosed is the SP-D (-/-) mouse as an excellentmodel for emphysema. Also included are models for testing emphysema therapiesin the mouse model, methods for using SP-D protein or DNA as a treatment foremphysema and pulmonary infections, and diagnosis.
