Acidic mammalian chitinase (AMCase) (AMCase)

Acidic mammalian chitinase (AMCase), encoded by the Chia gene in mice, is a member of the glycosyl hydrolase 18 family that functions as a true chitinase by hydrolyzing chitin polymers [4, 11]. It is uniquely characterized by its high enzymatic activity under acidic conditions, particularly in the stomach where it serves a digestive role, but it is also expressed in the lungs and other tissues [13, 18]. In the context of disease, AMCase is significantly upregulated during Th2-mediated immune responses, such as those seen in asthma and allergic inflammation, where it acts as a downstream effector of IL-13 [8, 12]. While its primary function is chitin degradation, it also exhibits chitinolytic-independent effects, such as protecting lung epithelial cells from apoptosis via the PI3K/Akt pathway [15]. Therapeutic strategies targeting AMCase primarily involve small-molecule inhibitors designed to reduce airway inflammation and hyperresponsiveness in asthmatic conditions [1, 14]. However, its role can be complex, as it also contributes to host defense against chitin-containing pathogens like fungi and nematodes [4, 22].

Other names

Acidic mammalian chitinaseAMCaseChiaYNLChitinase acidic 1CHIA_MOUSE

Inhibition of chitinase enzymatic activity to suppress Th2-mediated airway inflammation and hyperresponsiveness.