Taurine (2-aminoethanesulfonic acid) is a non-proteinaceous amino acid that has a number of well researched roles including the formation of bile acid conjugates, the correct maintenance of calcium homeostasis, osmoregulation, and a role in cell membrane stabilisation. Taurine also possesses an antioxidant effect and its ability to stabilise cells and reduce oxidation may give it an anti-apoptotic effect. Taurine is particularly physiologically relevant in tissues that undergo extensive inflammation such as the immune cells. One mechanism by which taurine may be an anti-inflammatory agent is through its antioxidant effects. One action known of taurine is that of the neutralisation of the hypochlorous acid that is generated as part of the inflammatory reaction by neutrophils. This reaction produces the more benign taurine chloramine. A similar reaction occurs in the detoxification of hypobromous acid, which results in the formation of taurine bromine. Both taurine chloramine and bromine have antimicrobial effects.
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