About the structure and biological function of RvD
Structure. Resolvin Ds (RvD) belong to the group of docosanoids within the fatty acyls. Their structure is based on docosanoic acid, a twenty-two carbon atoms long hydrocarbon chain with a carboxyl group. The chain contains six double bonds of which at least three are in conjugation. RvDs contain at least two hydroxyl groups but can feature additional hydroxylations and further oxygen containing substituents. They differ from maresins in their biosynthetic route.
Function. Resolvin Ds belong to the ‘Specialized Pro-resolving Mediators’ (SPMs), a set of fatty acyl lipids which significantly impact the resolution of inflammation. They are lipid mediators which interact with specific G-protein-coupled receptors to exert their pro-resolution activities. RvDs are part of the molecular mechanism to remove pro-inflammatory cells and restoration of tissue. They are also diminishing oxidative stress and impact many facets of the innate and adaptive immune system.
