Inter-alpha-trypsin inhibitor heavy chain H2 (ITIH2)

Inter-alpha-trypsin inhibitor heavy chain H2 (ITIH2) is a plasma protein encoded by the ITIH2 gene and is a component of the inter-alpha-trypsin inhibitor family, which consists of a light chain (bikunin) and several heavy chain subunits[1][2][3][4]. ITIH2 is mainly involved in the stabilization of the extracellular matrix by forming covalent complexes with hyaluronan (hyaluronic acid), contributing to tissue integrity and various physiological processes such as inflammation control and inhibition of metastasis[1][2][3][4]. ITIH2 has serine protease inhibitor properties and also acts as a carrier for hyaluronan, potentially influencing cell-cell adhesion, ECM stability, and cancer invasion pathways[1][3][4]. It is negatively regulated in certain inflammatory settings and highly downregulated across multiple cancer types, with evidence supporting a tumor suppressive function. ITIH2 expression correlates with estrogen receptor status in breast cancer and is reduced in high-grade CNS tumors, supporting roles in anti-invasion and cell proliferation control[3][4]. ITIH2 shows biomarker potential for diseases like multiple sclerosis, pancreatic cancer, and diabetic retinopathy, but no direct drugs currently target this protein.

Other names

Inter-alpha-trypsin inhibitor heavy chain 2ITIH2IGHEP2ITI heavy chain H2ITI-HC2Inter-alpha-inhibitor heavy chain 2SHAPH2PInter-alpha-trypsin inhibitor complex component IISerum-derived hyaluronan-associated proteininter-alpha (globulin) inhibitor H2inter-alpha (globulin) inhibitor, H2 polypeptideinter-alpha-inhibitor heavy chain 2serum-derived hyaluronan-associated protein