Information on EC 1.11.2.2 - myeloperoxidase

Contains calcium and covalently bound heme (proximal ligand histidine). It is present in phagosomes of neutrophils and monocytes, where the hypochlorite produced is strongly bactericidal. It differs from EC 1.11.1.10 chloride peroxidase in its preference for formation of hypochlorite over the chlorination of organic substrates under physiological conditions (pH 5-8). Hypochlorite in turn forms a number of antimicrobial products (Cl₂, chloramines, hydroxyl radical, singlet oxygen). MPO also oxidizes bromide, iodide and thiocyanate. In the absence of halides, it oxidizes phenols and has a moderate peroxygenase activity toward styrene.