The role of chitin, chitinases, and chitinase-like proteins in pediatric lung diseases.

Abstract

Chitin, after cellulose, the second most abundant biopolymer on earth, is a key component of insects, fungi, and house-dust mites. Lower life forms are endowed with chitinases to defend themselves against chitin-bearing pathogens. Unexpectedly, humans were also found to express chitinases as well as chitinase-like proteins that modulate immune responses. Particularly, increased levels of the chitinase-like protein YKL-40 have been associated with severe asthma, cystic fibrosis, and other inflammatory disease conditions. Here, we summarize and discuss the potential role of chitin, chitinases, and chitinase-like proteins in pediatric lung diseases.

• Authors: Ines Mack, Andreas Hector, Marlene Ballbach, Julius Kohlhäufl, Katharina J Fuchs, Alexander Weber, Marcus A Mall, Dominik Hartl
• Journal: Molecular and cellular pediatrics (Mol Cell Pediatr) Vol. 2 Issue 1 Pg. 3 (Dec 2015) ISSN: 2194-7791 [Print] Germany
• PMID: 26542293 (Publication Type: Journal Article)