Chitotriosidase 1 (CHIT1)

Chitotriosidase 1 is an enzymatically active chitinase belonging to the glycosyl hydrolase family 18 (GH18), produced mainly by human macrophages and neutrophils. Its primary function is the hydrolysis of β-(1,4)-linkages in chitin, a structural component of fungi, insects, and crustaceans. In humans, CHIT1 levels are especially high during macrophage activation and inflammation. It plays a key defensive role against chitin-containing pathogens, largely contributing to the innate immune response. Elevated serum CHIT1 is a well-known biomarker for Gaucher’s disease, and increased expression is noted in diverse inflammatory and fibrotic conditions. CHIT1 is thus both a therapeutic target and a diagnostic biomarker in clinical medicine. Several chitinase inhibitors have been developed to probe its role in diseases and potentially modulate aberrant inflammatory responses.

Other names

Chitinase 1ChitotriosidaseCHIT1

Chitinase inhibitors block enzymatic breakdown of chitin, potentially suppressing inflammatory pathways linked to disease