Mucin (respiratory tract)

Mucins are a large family of high molecular weight, heavily glycosylated glycoproteins secreted or expressed on the airway epithelium, forming the principal structural component of respiratory mucus[1][2][4][5]. They play crucial roles in maintaining airway hydration, trapping and clearing pathogens, modulating innate immune responses, and forming a physical barrier against irritants and microbes[1][2][3][4]. There are over 20 mucin genes in humans, with MUC5AC and MUC5B being the dominant secreted, gel-forming mucins in the respiratory tract, and MUC1, MUC4, and others forming membrane-associated mucins[1]. Abnormal mucin expression or structure is implicated in various airway diseases, and mucins are increasingly explored as therapeutic targets to modify mucus properties in conditions such as asthma, COPD, cystic fibrosis, and chronic bronchitis[1][4][5].

Other names

MucinsAirway mucinsRespiratory mucinsGel-forming mucins

Mucolytics: reduce disulfide bonds between mucin monomers to decrease viscosity Secretion inhibitors: reduce production or release of specific mucins Glycosylation modulators (experimental): alter mucin glycosylation to impact function