Ribonuclease 3 (RNASE3) is a basic protein that is localized to the eosinophil primary matrix and belongs to the pancreatic ribonuclease family. RNASE3 is released during degranulation of eosinophils. RNASE3 possesses a wide variety of biological activities. RNASE3 interacts with bacterial lipopolysaccharide (LPS) and lipoteichoic acid (LTA). RNASE3 exhibits antibacterial activity, including cytoplasmic membrane depolarization of preferentially Gram-negative, but also Gram-positive strains. It promotes E. coli outer membrane detachment, alteration of the overall cell shape and partial loss of cell content.
