The respiratory burst oxidase.

The respiratory burst oxidase catalyzes the production of O2- by activated phagocytes and B lymphocytes. Activation is accomplished by any number of signal transduction pathways, and involves protein kinase C, MAP kinase, or both, and perhaps lipid-mediated pathways. Failure of O2- production is characteristic of chronic granulomatous disease, an inherited disorder of phagocyte function. A number of new mutations responsible for chronic granulomatous disease have been reported. O2- production is also altered in other diseases, most notably certain hematologic malignancies.