1
|
Declercq J, Hammad H, Lambrecht BN, Smole U. Chitinases and chitinase-like proteins in asthma. Semin Immunol 2023; 67:101759. [PMID: 37031560 DOI: 10.1016/j.smim.2023.101759] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/06/2023] [Accepted: 03/27/2023] [Indexed: 04/11/2023]
Abstract
Despite the lack of endogenous chitin synthesis, mammalian genomes encode two enzymatically active true chitinases (chitotriosidase and acidic mammalian chitinase) and a variable number of chitinase-like proteins (CLPs) that have no enzyme activity but bind chitin. Chitinases and CLPs are prominent components of type-2 immune response-mediated respiratory diseases. However, despite extensive research into their role in allergic airway disease, there is still no agreement on whether they are mere biomarkers of disease or actual disease drivers. Functions ascribed to chitinases and CLPs include, but are not limited to host defense against chitin-containing pathogens, directly promoting inflammation, and modulating tissue remodeling and fibrosis. Here, we discuss in detail the chitin-dependent and -independent roles of chitinases and CLPs in the context of allergic airway disease, and recent advances and emerging concepts in the field that might identify opportunities for new therapies.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Jozefien Declercq
- Immunoregulation Unit, VIB Center for Inflammation Research, Ghent, Belgium; Department of Internal Medicine and Pediatrics, Ghent University, Ghent, Belgium
| | - Hamida Hammad
- Immunoregulation Unit, VIB Center for Inflammation Research, Ghent, Belgium; Department of Internal Medicine and Pediatrics, Ghent University, Ghent, Belgium
| | - Bart N Lambrecht
- Immunoregulation Unit, VIB Center for Inflammation Research, Ghent, Belgium; Department of Internal Medicine and Pediatrics, Ghent University, Ghent, Belgium; Department of Pulmonary Medicine, ErasmusMC, Rotterdam, the Netherlands.
| | - Ursula Smole
- Immunoregulation Unit, VIB Center for Inflammation Research, Ghent, Belgium; Department of Internal Medicine and Pediatrics, Ghent University, Ghent, Belgium.
| |
Collapse
|
2
|
Chang D, Sharma L, Dela Cruz CS. Chitotriosidase: a marker and modulator of lung disease. Eur Respir Rev 2020; 29:29/156/190143. [PMID: 32350087 PMCID: PMC9488994 DOI: 10.1183/16000617.0143-2019] [Citation(s) in RCA: 19] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/29/2019] [Accepted: 12/02/2019] [Indexed: 12/18/2022] Open
Abstract
Chitotriosidase (CHIT1) is a highly conserved and regulated chitinase secreted by activated macrophages; it is a member of the 18-glycosylase family (GH18). CHIT1 is the most prominent chitinase in humans, can cleave chitin and participates in the body's immune response and is associated with inflammation, infection, tissue damage and remodelling processes. Recently, CHIT1 has been reported to be involved in the molecular pathogenesis of pulmonary fibrosis, bronchial asthma, COPD and pulmonary infections, shedding new light on the role of these proteins in lung pathophysiology. The potential roles of CHIT1 in lung diseases are reviewed in this article. This is the first review of chitotriosidase in lung diseasehttp://bit.ly/2LpZUQI
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- De Chang
- The 3rd Medical Center of Chinese PLA General Hospital, Beijing, China.,Section of Pulmonary and Critical Care and Sleep Medicine, Dept of Medicine, Yale University School of Medicine, New Haven, CT, USA.,Both authors contributed equally
| | - Lokesh Sharma
- Section of Pulmonary and Critical Care and Sleep Medicine, Dept of Medicine, Yale University School of Medicine, New Haven, CT, USA.,Both authors contributed equally
| | - Charles S Dela Cruz
- Section of Pulmonary and Critical Care and Sleep Medicine, Dept of Medicine, Yale University School of Medicine, New Haven, CT, USA
| |
Collapse
|
3
|
Przysucha N, Górska K, Krenke R. Chitinases and Chitinase-Like Proteins in Obstructive Lung Diseases - Current Concepts and Potential Applications. Int J Chron Obstruct Pulmon Dis 2020; 15:885-899. [PMID: 32368034 PMCID: PMC7185641 DOI: 10.2147/copd.s236640] [Citation(s) in RCA: 11] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/09/2019] [Accepted: 03/10/2020] [Indexed: 01/14/2023] Open
Abstract
Chitinases, enzymes that cleave chitin’s chain to low molecular weight chitooligomers, are widely distributed in nature. Mammalian chitinases belong to the 18-glycosyl-hydrolase family and can be divided into two groups: true chitinases with enzymatic activity (AMCase and chitotriosidase) and chitinase-like proteins (CLPs) molecules which can bind to chitin or chitooligosaccharides but lack enzymatic activity (eg, YKL-40). Chitinases are thought to be part of an innate immunity against chitin-containing parasites and fungal infections. Both groups of these hydrolases are lately evaluated also as chemical mediators or biomarkers involved in airway inflammation and fibrosis. The aim of this article is to present the current knowledge on the potential role of human chitinases and CLPs in the pathogenesis, diagnosis, and course of obstructive lung diseases. We also assessed the potential role of chitinase and CLPs inhibitors as therapeutic targets in chronic obstructive pulmonary disease and asthma.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Natalia Przysucha
- Department of Internal Medicine, Pulmonary Diseases and Allergy, Medical University of Warsaw, Warsaw, Poland
| | - Katarzyna Górska
- Department of Internal Medicine, Pulmonary Diseases and Allergy, Medical University of Warsaw, Warsaw, Poland
| | - Rafal Krenke
- Department of Internal Medicine, Pulmonary Diseases and Allergy, Medical University of Warsaw, Warsaw, Poland
| |
Collapse
|
4
|
Li E, Knight JM, Wu Y, Luong A, Rodriguez A, Kheradmand F, Corry DB. Airway mycosis in allergic airway disease. Adv Immunol 2019; 142:85-140. [PMID: 31296304 DOI: 10.1016/bs.ai.2019.05.002] [Citation(s) in RCA: 26] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/20/2022]
Abstract
The allergic airway diseases, including chronic rhinosinusitis (CRS), asthma, allergic bronchopulmonary mycosis (ABPM) and many others, comprise a heterogeneous collection of inflammatory disorders affecting the upper and lower airways and lung parenchyma that represent the most common chronic diseases of humanity. In addition to their shared tissue tropism, the allergic airway diseases are characterized by a distinct pattern of inflammation involving the accumulation of eosinophils, type 2 macrophages, innate lymphoid cells type 2 (ILC2), IgE-secreting B cells, and T helper type 2 (Th2) cells in airway tissues, and the prominent production of type 2 cytokines including interleukin (IL-) 33, IL-4, IL-5, IL-13, and many others. These factors and related inflammatory molecules induce characteristic remodeling and other changes of the airways that include goblet cell metaplasia, enhanced mucus secretion, smooth muscle hypertrophy, tissue swelling and polyp formation that account for the major clinical manifestations of nasal obstruction, headache, hyposmia, cough, shortness of breath, chest pain, wheezing, and, in the most severe cases of lower airway disease, death due to respiratory failure or disseminated, systemic disease. The syndromic nature of the allergic airway diseases that now include many physiological variants or endotypes suggests that distinct endogenous or environmental factors underlie their expression. However, findings from different perspectives now collectively link these disorders to a single infectious source, the fungi, and a molecular pathogenesis that involves the local production of airway proteinases by these organisms. In this review, we discuss the evidence linking fungi and their proteinases to the surprisingly wide variety of chronic airway and systemic disorders and the immune pathogenesis of these conditions as they relate to environmental fungi. We further discuss the important implications these new findings have for the diagnosis and future therapy of these common conditions.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Evan Li
- Department of Medicine, Baylor College of Medicine, Houston, TX, United States
| | - J Morgan Knight
- Department of Pathology & Immunology, Baylor College of Medicine, Houston, TX, United States; Biology of Inflammation Center, Baylor College of Medicine, Houston, TX, United States
| | - Yifan Wu
- Department of Pathology & Immunology, Baylor College of Medicine, Houston, TX, United States
| | - Amber Luong
- Department of Otolaryngology, University of Texas Health Science at Houston, Houston, TX, United States
| | - Antony Rodriguez
- Department of Medicine, Baylor College of Medicine, Houston, TX, United States; Department of Pathology & Immunology, Baylor College of Medicine, Houston, TX, United States; Biology of Inflammation Center, Baylor College of Medicine, Houston, TX, United States; Michael E. DeBakey VA Center for Translational Research on Inflammatory Diseases, Houston, TX, United States
| | - Farrah Kheradmand
- Department of Medicine, Baylor College of Medicine, Houston, TX, United States; Department of Pathology & Immunology, Baylor College of Medicine, Houston, TX, United States; Biology of Inflammation Center, Baylor College of Medicine, Houston, TX, United States; Michael E. DeBakey VA Center for Translational Research on Inflammatory Diseases, Houston, TX, United States
| | - David B Corry
- Department of Medicine, Baylor College of Medicine, Houston, TX, United States; Department of Pathology & Immunology, Baylor College of Medicine, Houston, TX, United States; Biology of Inflammation Center, Baylor College of Medicine, Houston, TX, United States; Michael E. DeBakey VA Center for Translational Research on Inflammatory Diseases, Houston, TX, United States.
| |
Collapse
|
5
|
Sanprasert V, Charuchaibovorn S, Nuchprayoon S. The Genetic Polymorphisms of 24 Base Pair Duplication and Point G102S of Human Chitotriosidase to Bancroftian Filariasis at the Thai⁻Myanmar Border. Pathogens 2019; 8:pathogens8010041. [PMID: 30934653 PMCID: PMC6470825 DOI: 10.3390/pathogens8010041] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/07/2019] [Revised: 03/15/2019] [Accepted: 03/20/2019] [Indexed: 11/30/2022] Open
Abstract
Lymphatic filariasis, caused by lymphatic filarial parasites, Wuchereria bancrofti, and Brugia malayi, causes significant morbidity and disability to 120 million people in the tropics and subtropics. Chitin has an important role for embryogenesis in adult worms and is a component of microfilaria sheath. Human chitotriosidase (CHIT1) is a chitin-degrading enzyme which provides a protective role against chitin-containing pathogens. Here, we determined the association of CHIT1 polymorphisms with susceptibility to bancroftian filariasis (BF) in 88 individuals at the Thai–Myanmar border. Two common polymorphisms of CHIT1, contributing inactive CHIT protein, including 24 base pair (24 bp) duplication in exon 10, and p. G102S in exon 4 were genotyped by allele-specific Polymerase Chain Reaction (PCR) and PCR sequencing, respectively. Unexpectedly, genotype frequencies of 24 bp duplication insertion homozygous (INS/INS) were significantly higher in endemic normal (EN) (40.0%) than BF patients (31.4%). In contrast, genotype frequencies of p. G102S homozygous (A/A) in BF patients (21.6%) was higher than in EN (19.0%) without statistical difference. Mutant allele frequencies of 24 bp duplication were 0.6125 (98/160) and p. G102S were 0.392 (69/176). Genotype and allele frequencies of CHIT1, 24 bp duplication, and p. G102S, showed no association with BF patients.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Vivornpun Sanprasert
- Lymphatic Filariasis and Tropical Medicine Research Unit, Chulalongkorn Medical Research Center, Faculty of Medicine, Chulalongkorn University, Bangkok 10330, Thailand.
- Department of Parasitology, Faculty of Medicine, Chulalongkorn University, Bangkok 10330, Thailand.
| | - Sarit Charuchaibovorn
- Lymphatic Filariasis and Tropical Medicine Research Unit, Chulalongkorn Medical Research Center, Faculty of Medicine, Chulalongkorn University, Bangkok 10330, Thailand.
| | - Surang Nuchprayoon
- Lymphatic Filariasis and Tropical Medicine Research Unit, Chulalongkorn Medical Research Center, Faculty of Medicine, Chulalongkorn University, Bangkok 10330, Thailand.
- Department of Parasitology, Faculty of Medicine, Chulalongkorn University, Bangkok 10330, Thailand.
| |
Collapse
|
6
|
Brown HE, Esher SK, Alspaugh JA. Chitin: A "Hidden Figure" in the Fungal Cell Wall. Curr Top Microbiol Immunol 2019; 425:83-111. [PMID: 31807896 DOI: 10.1007/82_2019_184] [Citation(s) in RCA: 22] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/31/2022]
Abstract
Chitin and chitosan are two related polysaccharides that provide important structural stability to fungal cell walls. Often embedded deeply within the cell wall structure, these molecules anchor other components at the cell surface. Chitin-directed organization of the cell wall layers allows the fungal cell to effectively monitor and interact with the external environment. For fungal pathogens, this interaction includes maintaining cellular strategies to avoid excessive detection by the host innate immune system. In turn, mammalian and plant hosts have developed their own strategies to process fungal chitin, resulting in chitin fragments of varying molecular size. The size-dependent differences in the immune activation behaviors of variably sized chitin molecules help to explain how chitin and related chitooligomers can both inhibit and activate host immunity. Moreover, chitin and chitosan have recently been exploited for many biomedical applications, including targeted drug delivery and vaccine development.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Hannah E Brown
- Department of Medicine, Department of Molecular Genetics and Microbiology, Duke University School of Medicine, 303 Sands Research Building, DUMC, 102359, Durham, 27710, NC, USA
| | - Shannon K Esher
- Department of Microbiology and Immunology, Tulane University School of Medicine, New Orleans, LA, USA
| | - J Andrew Alspaugh
- Department of Medicine, Department of Molecular Genetics and Microbiology, Duke University School of Medicine, 303 Sands Research Building, DUMC, 102359, Durham, 27710, NC, USA.
| |
Collapse
|
7
|
James AJ, Reinius LE, Verhoek M, Gomes A, Kupczyk M, Hammar U, Ono J, Ohta S, Izuhara K, Bel E, Kere J, Söderhäll C, Dahlén B, Boot RG, Dahlén SE. Increased YKL-40 and Chitotriosidase in Asthma and Chronic Obstructive Pulmonary Disease. Am J Respir Crit Care Med 2016; 193:131-42. [PMID: 26372680 DOI: 10.1164/rccm.201504-0760oc] [Citation(s) in RCA: 90] [Impact Index Per Article: 11.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/16/2022] Open
Abstract
RATIONALE Serum chitinases may be novel biomarkers of airway inflammation and remodeling, but less is known about factors regulating their levels. OBJECTIVES To examine serum chitotriosidase activity and YKL-40 levels in patients with asthma and chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD) and evaluate clinically relevant factors that may affect chitinase levels, including genetic variability, corticosteroid treatment, disease exacerbations, and allergen exposure. METHODS Serum chitotriosidase (CHIT1) activity and YKL-40 (CHI3L1) levels, as well as the CHIT1 rs3831317 and CHI3L1 rs4950928 genotypes, were examined in subsets of patients with mild to moderate asthma (n = 76), severe asthma (n = 93), and COPD (n = 64) taking part in the European multicenter BIOAIR (Longitudinal Assessment of Clinical Course and Biomarkers in Severe Chronic Airway Disease) study. Blood was obtained at baseline, before and after a 2-week oral steroid intervention, up to six times during a 1-year period, and during exacerbations. Baseline chitinase levels were also measured in 72 healthy control subjects. The effect of allergen inhalation on blood and sputum YKL-40 levels was measured in two separate groups of patients with mild atopic asthma; one group underwent repeated low-dose allergen challenge (n = 15), and the other underwent high-dose allergen challenge (n = 16). MEASUREMENTS AND MAIN RESULTS Serum chitotriosidase and YKL-40 were significantly elevated in patients with asthma and those with COPD compared with healthy control subjects. Genotype and age strongly affected both YKL-40 and chitotriosidase activity, but associations with disease remained following adjustment for these factors. Correlations were observed with lung function but not with other biomarkers, including exhaled nitric oxide, blood eosinophils, periostin, and IgE. Generally, acute exacerbations, allergen-induced airway obstruction, and corticosteroid treatment did not affect circulating chitinase levels. CONCLUSIONS YKL-40 and chitotriosidase are increased in asthma and more so in COPD. The data in the present study support these substances as being relatively steroid-insensitive, non-T-helper cell type 2-type biomarkers distinctly related to chronic inflammatory disease processes.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Anna J James
- 1 Institute of Environmental Medicine.,2 Center for Allergy Research
| | - Lovisa E Reinius
- 2 Center for Allergy Research.,3 Center for Innovative Medicine, and.,4 Department of Biosciences and Nutrition, Karolinska Institutet, Stockholm, Sweden
| | - Marri Verhoek
- 5 Department of Biochemistry, Leiden Institute of Chemistry, Leiden University, Leiden, the Netherlands
| | - Anna Gomes
- 1 Institute of Environmental Medicine.,2 Center for Allergy Research
| | - Maciej Kupczyk
- 1 Institute of Environmental Medicine.,2 Center for Allergy Research
| | | | - Junya Ono
- 6 Shino-Test Corporation, Sagamihara, Japan
| | | | - Kenji Izuhara
- 8 Division of Medical Biochemistry, Department of Biomolecular Sciences, Saga Medical School, Saga University, Saga, Japan
| | - Elisabeth Bel
- 9 Department of Pulmonology, Academic Medical Center, University of Amsterdam, Amsterdam, the Netherlands; and
| | - Juha Kere
- 2 Center for Allergy Research.,3 Center for Innovative Medicine, and.,4 Department of Biosciences and Nutrition, Karolinska Institutet, Stockholm, Sweden
| | - Cilla Söderhäll
- 2 Center for Allergy Research.,3 Center for Innovative Medicine, and.,4 Department of Biosciences and Nutrition, Karolinska Institutet, Stockholm, Sweden
| | - Barbro Dahlén
- 2 Center for Allergy Research.,10 Department of Medicine, Karolinska University Hospital, Huddinge, Stockholm, Sweden
| | - Rolf G Boot
- 5 Department of Biochemistry, Leiden Institute of Chemistry, Leiden University, Leiden, the Netherlands
| | - Sven-Erik Dahlén
- 1 Institute of Environmental Medicine.,2 Center for Allergy Research
| | | |
Collapse
|
8
|
Verwer PEB, Notenboom CC, Eadie K, Fahal AH, Verbrugh HA, van de Sande WWJ. A Polymorphism in the Chitotriosidase Gene Associated with Risk of Mycetoma Due to Madurella mycetomatis Mycetoma--A Retrospective Study. PLoS Negl Trop Dis 2015; 9:e0004061. [PMID: 26332238 PMCID: PMC4558086 DOI: 10.1371/journal.pntd.0004061] [Citation(s) in RCA: 18] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/17/2015] [Accepted: 08/15/2015] [Indexed: 01/30/2023] Open
Abstract
Background Madurella mycetomatis is the most prevalent causative agent of eumycetoma in Sudan, an infection characterized by the formation of grains. Many patients are exposed to the causative agent, however only a small number develop infection. M. mycetomatis contains chitin in its cell wall, which can trigger the human immune system. Polymorphisms in the genes encoding for the chitin-degrading enzymes chitotriosidase and AMCase were described, resulting in altered chitinase activity. We investigated the association between 4 of these polymorphisms and the incidence of M. mycetomatis mycetoma in a Sudanese population. Methodology Polymorphisms studied in 112 eumycetoma patients and 103 matched controls included a 24-bp insertion in the chitotriosidase gene (rs3831317), resulting in impaired chitinase activity and single nucleotide polymorphism (SNP) in the AMCase gene (rs61756687), resulting in decreased AMCase activity. Also, a SNP (rs41282492) and a 10-bp insertion in the 5’UTR region of the AMCase gene (rs143789088) were studied, both resulting in increased AMCase activity. DNA was isolated from blood and genotypes were determined using PCR-RFLP. Principal Findings Histological staining proved the presence of chitin in the fungal grain. The polymorphism resulting in decreased chitotriosidase activity was associated with increased odds of eumycetoma (odds ratio 2.9; p = 0.004). No association was found for the polymorphisms in the genes for AMCase (all p>0.05). Conclusion Decreased chitotriosidase activity was associated with increased risk of M. mycetomatis mycetoma. Madurella mycetomatis mycetoma is a chronic fungal infection, resulting frequently in mutilating lesions. The causative agents are found in soil, however, many people are exposed but most do not develop mycetoma. Characteristic for mycetoma is that the fungus organizes itself in a grain once inside the body. Here we showed that this grain contains chitin. The immune system of the host will try to eliminate the grains by producing cytokines and enzymes, including the chitin-degrading chitinases. We showed that both human chitinases AMCase and chitotriosidase bind to fungal chitin in the grain. We also investigated 4 polymorphisms in the genes for these chitinases, and we found that a polymorphism in the gene for chitotriosidase, resulting in enzyme inactivity, was associated with increased risk for mycetoma. Based on these findings, we hypothesized that chitotriosidase is important in the pathogen-eliminating immune response, resulting in clearance of the infection. We assumed that absence of chitotriosidase results in increased AMCase production and thus in grain formation. In this study we identified a risk factor for the development of M. mycetomatis mycetoma, however the disease is multifactorial and other factors also play a role.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Patricia E. B. Verwer
- Dept. of Medical Microbiology & Infectious Diseases, Erasmus MC, University Medical Centre Rotterdam, CE Rotterdam, The Netherlands
| | - Charlotte C. Notenboom
- Dept. of Medical Microbiology & Infectious Diseases, Erasmus MC, University Medical Centre Rotterdam, CE Rotterdam, The Netherlands
| | - Kimberly Eadie
- Dept. of Medical Microbiology & Infectious Diseases, Erasmus MC, University Medical Centre Rotterdam, CE Rotterdam, The Netherlands
| | | | - Henri A. Verbrugh
- Dept. of Medical Microbiology & Infectious Diseases, Erasmus MC, University Medical Centre Rotterdam, CE Rotterdam, The Netherlands
| | - Wendy W. J. van de Sande
- Dept. of Medical Microbiology & Infectious Diseases, Erasmus MC, University Medical Centre Rotterdam, CE Rotterdam, The Netherlands
- * E-mail:
| |
Collapse
|
9
|
Gunes S, Yalaz M, Sozmen E, Koroglu OA, Kultursay N. Cord blood and consecutive chitotriosidase activity: Relationship to prematurity and early prognosis. Pediatr Int 2015; 57:414-21. [PMID: 25367205 DOI: 10.1111/ped.12532] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/28/2013] [Revised: 10/07/2014] [Accepted: 10/29/2014] [Indexed: 11/28/2022]
Abstract
BACKGROUND The aim of this study was to investigate the relationship between plasma chitotriosidase activity, an inflammatory protein secreted mainly from macrophages, and neonatal morbidity and mortality in premature infants. METHODS Cord blood chitotriosidase activity was studied in healthy control infants (53 term, group 1; 26 late preterm [33-37 gestational weeks], group 2) and 35 preterm infants (≤ 32 weeks; group 3). In group 3, consecutive samples at 3 h, 24 h, 72 h, 7 days, 14 days, and 36 weeks after conception were also analyzed. Group 3 was also evaluated for mortality, respiratory treatment and bronchopulmonary dysplasia (BPD), patent ductus arteriosus (PDA), intraventricular hemorrhage (IVH) and retinopathy of prematurity (ROP) and necrotizing enterocolitis (NEC). RESULTS Cord blood chitotriosidase activity was positively correlated with gestational age and birthweight. SNAPPE-II score was correlated with chitotriosidase activity at 24 h. Consecutive chitotriosidase activity for group 3 was non-significantly higher in infants who died in the early neonatal period. Higher chitotriosidase activity was observed in mechanically ventilated infants than infants treated with non-invasive assisted ventilation. BPD, PDA, IVH and ROP, but not NEC, were related to higher chitotriosidase activity, being significant at some of the time points. CONCLUSION Neonatal stress such as invasive ventilation may create a risk for the development of BPD, PDA, IVH, and ROP by increasing macrophage activation in preterm infants as reflected in the higher chitotriosidase activity. High chitotriosidase activity may also be associated with disease severity and mortality.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Sezgin Gunes
- Department of Pediatrics, Division of Neonatology, Ege University Faculty of Medicine, Izmir, Turkey
| | - Mehmet Yalaz
- Department of Pediatrics, Division of Neonatology, Ege University Faculty of Medicine, Izmir, Turkey
| | - Eser Sozmen
- Department of Biochemistry, Ege University Faculty of Medicine, Izmir, Turkey
| | - Ozge Altun Koroglu
- Department of Pediatrics, Division of Neonatology, Ege University Faculty of Medicine, Izmir, Turkey
| | - Nilgun Kultursay
- Department of Pediatrics, Division of Neonatology, Ege University Faculty of Medicine, Izmir, Turkey
| |
Collapse
|
10
|
Manno N, Sherratt S, Boaretto F, Coico FM, Camus CE, Campos CJ, Musumeci S, Battisti A, Quinnell RJ, León JM, Vazza G, Mostacciuolo ML, Paoletti MG, Falcone FH. High prevalence of chitotriosidase deficiency in Peruvian Amerindians exposed to chitin-bearing food and enteroparasites. Carbohydr Polym 2014; 113:607-14. [PMID: 25256524 PMCID: PMC4194353 DOI: 10.1016/j.carbpol.2014.07.011] [Citation(s) in RCA: 9] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.9] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/19/2014] [Revised: 07/04/2014] [Accepted: 07/09/2014] [Indexed: 11/27/2022]
Abstract
Catalytic deficiency of chitotriosidase has a very high frequency in Amerindians highly exposed to chitin from enteroparasites and diet. Mutation frequencies are similar to those found in East Asian populations, and is probably conserved for a founder effect. Such condition precludes the use of CHIT1 as a disease biomarker in South American populations with strong ethnic ancestry.
The human genome encodes a gene for an enzymatically active chitinase (CHIT1) located in a single copy on Chromosome 1, which is highly expressed by activated macrophages and in other cells of the innate immune response. Several dysfunctional mutations are known in CHIT1, including a 24-bp duplication in Exon 10 causing catalytic deficiency. This duplication is a common variant conserved in many human populations, except in West and South Africans. Thus it has been proposed that human migration out of Africa and the consequent reduction of exposure to chitin from environmental factors may have enabled the conservation of dysfunctional mutations in human chitinases. Our data obtained from 85 indigenous Amerindians from Peru, representative of populations characterized by high prevalence of chitin-bearing enteroparasites and intense entomophagy, reveal a very high frequency of the 24-bp duplication (47.06%), and of other single nucleotide polymorphisms which are known to partially affect enzymatic activity (G102S: 42.7% and A442G/V: 25.5%). Our finding is in line with a founder effect, but appears to confute our previous hypothesis of a protective role against parasite infection and sustains the discussion on the redundancy of chitinolytic function.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- N Manno
- Department of Biology, Università degli Studi di Padova, Padova, Italy; Facultad de Ciencias Biologicas, Universidad Nacional de Trujillo, Trujillo, Peru
| | - S Sherratt
- Division of Molecular and Cellular Science, School of Pharmacy, University of Nottingham, Nottingham, United Kingdom
| | - F Boaretto
- Department of Biology, Università degli Studi di Padova, Padova, Italy
| | - F Mejìa Coico
- Facultad de Ciencias Biologicas, Universidad Nacional de Trujillo, Trujillo, Peru
| | - C Espinoza Camus
- Facultad de Ciencias Sociales, Universidad Nacional de Trujillo, Trujillo, Peru
| | - C Jara Campos
- Facultad de Ciencias Biologicas, Universidad Nacional de Trujillo, Trujillo, Peru
| | - S Musumeci
- Dpt. of Chemical Sciences, Università di Catania and Institute of Biomolecular Chemistry, CNR, Catania, Italy
| | - A Battisti
- Department DAFNAE, Università degli Studi di Padova, Legnaro, Padova, Italy
| | - R J Quinnell
- School of Biology, University of Leeds, Leeds, United Kingdom
| | - J Mostacero León
- Facultad de Ciencias Biologicas, Universidad Nacional de Trujillo, Trujillo, Peru
| | - G Vazza
- Department of Biology, Università degli Studi di Padova, Padova, Italy
| | - M L Mostacciuolo
- Department of Biology, Università degli Studi di Padova, Padova, Italy
| | - M G Paoletti
- Department of Biology, Università degli Studi di Padova, Padova, Italy.
| | - F H Falcone
- Division of Molecular and Cellular Science, School of Pharmacy, University of Nottingham, Nottingham, United Kingdom
| |
Collapse
|
11
|
Sinha S, Singh J, Jindal SK, Birbian N, Singla N. Association of 24 bp duplication of human CHIT1 gene with asthma in a heterozygous population of north India: a case-control study. Lung 2014; 192:685-91. [PMID: 24928104 DOI: 10.1007/s00408-014-9605-6] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/12/2014] [Accepted: 05/21/2014] [Indexed: 10/25/2022]
Abstract
PURPOSE CHIT1 is expressed by pulmonary macrophages, which is typically the site of entry for many environmental fungi that may increase the risk of pulmonary fungal infection and lead to hypersensitivity. The conserved expression of this gene in humans suggests its physiological importance in the mammalian lung. METHODS The present study was conducted with a total of 964 subjects, including 483 healthy controls and 481 asthma patients. DNA samples were extracted from blood, and the genotyping was done using polymerase chain reaction method. RESULTS Statistical analysis revealed that the 24 bp duplication in CHIT1 gene polymorphism shows highly significant association in heterozygous (wild/dup) genotype with OR 1.74, 95 % CI (1.29-2.36), and p = 0.000. However, the homozygous mutant genotype (dup/dup) was found to be non-significant with OR 1.06, 95% CI (0.69-1.63), and p = 0.786. The combination of both wild/dup and dup/dup was also found to be highly significant with OR 1.57, 95% CI (1.18-2.11), and p = 0.002. CONCLUSIONS This is the first study conducted in India which reports a significant association between 24 bp duplication in CHIT1 gene polymorphism and asthma in the studied North Indian population.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Shweta Sinha
- Department of Biotechnology, Panjab University, Chandigarh, India
| | | | | | | | | |
Collapse
|
12
|
Association of genetic variation in chitotriosidase with atopy in Korean children. Ann Allergy Asthma Immunol 2013; 110:444-449.e1. [PMID: 23706714 DOI: 10.1016/j.anai.2013.03.009] [Citation(s) in RCA: 11] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/02/2012] [Revised: 03/17/2013] [Accepted: 03/20/2013] [Indexed: 11/22/2022]
Abstract
BACKGROUND The atopic diseases, which are the most common chronic diseases of childhood, are complex genetic diseases that involve the contribution of multiple genetic factors to disease pathophysiology. Chitotriosidase is involved in innate immunity, but the association of chitotriosidase with allergic diseases remains unclear. OBJECTIVE To examine the contribution of genetic variation of the chitotriosidase-encoding gene CHIT1 to atopic phenotypes in a Korean cohort of children. METHODS We identified CHIT1 variations in a Korean population and conducted association analyses using 295 atopic and 242 nonatopic children. An independent replication study was performed using DNA samples from 148 atopic and 243 nonatopic children. All children were unrelated. We performed Western blot analysis in each genotype in vitro to see whether the CHIT1 A442G variation affects the final protein expression levels. RESULTS In the case-control association analysis, atopy was significantly associated with a single A442G (rs1065761) polymorphism in CHIT1 (odds ratio = 1.32, P = .01). Children with the c.442G risk allele had significantly higher blood eosinophils (P = .001), total serum IgE (P = .007), and eosinophil cationic protein (P = .02) levels. The results of the replication stage analysis confirmed a significant association between the A442G polymorphism and childhood atopy. The joint analysis of the exploratory and replication studies displayed a stronger significant association. The relative protein expression levels of chitotriosidase were significantly higher in both cell lysate and media with the G transfection compared with the wild type. CONCLUSION These results indicate that the nonsynonymous A442G polymorphism in CHIT1 is associated with risk of atopy.
Collapse
|
13
|
Chitin, chitinase responses, and invasive fungal infections. Int J Microbiol 2011; 2012:920459. [PMID: 22187561 PMCID: PMC3236456 DOI: 10.1155/2012/920459] [Citation(s) in RCA: 58] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/16/2011] [Revised: 09/15/2011] [Accepted: 09/16/2011] [Indexed: 11/29/2022] Open
Abstract
The human immune system is capable of recognizing and degrading chitin, an important cell wall component of pathogenic fungi. In the context of host-immune responses to fungal infections, herein we review the particular contributions and interplay of fungus and chitin recognition, and chitin-degrading enzymes, known as chitinases. The mechanisms of host chitinase responses may have implications for diagnostic assays as well as novel therapeutic approaches for patients that are at risk of contracting fatal fungal infections.
Collapse
|
14
|
Goldman DL, Li X, Tsirilakis K, Andrade C, Casadevall A, Vicencio AG. Increased chitinase expression and fungal-specific antibodies in the bronchoalveolar lavage fluid of asthmatic children. Clin Exp Allergy 2011; 42:523-30. [PMID: 22092749 DOI: 10.1111/j.1365-2222.2011.03886.x] [Citation(s) in RCA: 27] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/29/2011] [Revised: 08/30/2011] [Accepted: 09/01/2011] [Indexed: 01/20/2023]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Increasing evidence highlights the contribution of chitinases and fungal infection to the development of asthma. OBJECTIVE The purpose of this study was to characterize chitinase expression and serological markers of fungal infection in children with severe asthma. METHODS Bronchoalveolar lavage fluid (BALF) was collected from children undergoing clinically indicated flexible bronchoscopy. A diagnosis of asthma was confirmed by pulmonary function testing. BALF was tested for chitinase activity and YKL-40 (an enzymatically inactive chitinase) concentrations. Specimens were cultured for fungal organisms and tested for cryptococcal antigen by ELISA. IgG and IgA reactivity to whole extract fungal (Aspergillus fumigatus, Alternaria alternata, Cryptococcus neoformans and Candida albicans) proteins were determined by immunoblot assay. RESULTS Among the 37 patients studied, 30 were asthmatic and 7 were non-asthmatic. Asthmatics exhibited elevated serum IgE levels (median: 748 IU/mL, IQR: 219-1765 IU/mL). Chitinase activity was greater in the BALF of asthmatics (mean, 0.85 ± 1.2 U/mL) compared with non-asthmatics (mean: 0.23 ± 0.21 U/mL, P = 0.012). Likewise YKL-40 concentrations were higher in the BALF of asthmatics and correlated with chitinase activity. There was a trend towards increased fungal-specific IgG in the BALF of asthmatics compared with non-asthmatics and for C. albicans this difference reached statistical significance. IgA reactivity to C. neoformans and A. fumigatus was greater in the BALF of asthmatics compared with non-asthmatics. CONCLUSIONS AND CLINICAL RELEVANCE Compared with non-asthmatics, asthmatic children exhibited increased chitinase activity and increased YKL-40 levels in BALF. Increased IgG and IgA reactivity to fungal proteins in the BALF of asthmatics may reflect a local response to fungal infection. Our findings are consistent with and suggest a role for chitinases in asthma pathogenesis among Bronx children and provide serological evidence of an association between fungal infection and severe asthma.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- D L Goldman
- Department of Pediatrics, Childrens' Hospital at Montefiore and Albert Einstein College of Medicine, 1300 Morris Park Ave., Bronx, NY 10461, USA.
| | | | | | | | | | | |
Collapse
|
15
|
Wu AC, Lasky-Su J, Rogers CA, Klanderman BJ, Litonjua AA. Fungal exposure modulates the effect of polymorphisms of chitinases on emergency department visits and hospitalizations. Am J Respir Crit Care Med 2010; 182:884-9. [PMID: 20538957 DOI: 10.1164/rccm.201003-0322oc] [Citation(s) in RCA: 37] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/16/2022] Open
Abstract
RATIONALE Chitinases are enzymes that cleave chitin, which is present in fungal cells. Two types of human chitinases, chitotriosidase and acidic mammalian chitinase, and the chitinase-like protein, YKL-40, seem to play an important role in asthma. We hypothesized that exposure to environmental fungi may modulate the effect of chitinases in individuals with asthma. OBJECTIVES To explore whether interactions between high fungal exposure and common genetic variants in the two chitinases in humans, CHIT1 and CHIA, and the chitinase 3-like 1 gene, CHI3L1, are associated with severe asthma exacerbations and other asthma-related outcomes. METHODS Forty-eight single nucleotide polymorphisms (SNPs) in CHIT1, CHIA, and CHI3L1 and one CHIT1 duplication were genotyped in 395 subjects and their parents as part of the Childhood Asthma Management Program. Household levels of mold (an index of fungal exposure) were determined on house dust samples. We conducted family-based association tests with gene-environment interactions. Our outcome was severe exacerbation, defined as emergency department visits and hospitalizations from asthma over a 4-year period, and our secondary outcomes included indices of lung function and allergy-related phenotypes. MEASUREMENTS AND MAIN RESULTS Of the 395 subjects who had mold levels at randomization, 24% (95 subjects) had levels that were greater than 25,000 units per gram of house dust (high mold exposure). High mold exposure significantly modified the relation between three SNPs in CHIT1 (rs2486953, rs4950936, and rs1417149) and severe exacerbations (P for interaction 0.0010 for rs2486953, 0.0008 for rs4950936, and 0.0005 for rs1417149). High mold exposure did not significantly modify the relationship between any of the other variants and outcomes. CONCLUSIONS Environmental exposure to fungi, modifies the effect of CHIT1 SNPs on severe asthma exacerbations.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Ann Chen Wu
- Department of Population Medicine, Harvard Pilgrim Health Care Institute and Harvard Medical School, Boston, Massachusetts, USA.
| | | | | | | | | |
Collapse
|
16
|
Cho WS, Kim TH, Lee HM, Lee SH, Lee SH, Yoo JH, Kim YS, Lee SH. Increased expression of acidic mammalian chitinase and chitotriosidase in the nasal mucosa of patients with allergic rhinitis. Laryngoscope 2010; 120:870-5. [PMID: 20422678 DOI: 10.1002/lary.20863] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/09/2022]
Abstract
OBJECTIVES/HYPOTHESIS Acidic mammalian chitinase (AMCase) has emerged as an important mediator of allergic asthma in both animal models and in humans. Recently, chitotriosidase has been suggested to play a role in innate immunity because of its phagocytic-specific expression. Thus, AMCase and chitotriosidase may play a role in the pathogenesis of allergic nasal mucosa. The expression and pattern of distribution of AMCase and chitotriosidase were, therefore, determined in normal and allergic nasal mucosa. STUDY DESIGN Controlled, prospective study. METHODS Normal inferior turbinate mucosa was obtained in patients who were admitted for augmentation rhinoplasty. Allergic turbinate mucosa was obtained from patients who had perennial allergic rhinitis during septo-turbinate surgery. Reverse transcriptase-polymerase chain reaction (RT-PCR), immunohistochemistry, and Western blotting were applied to the normal and allergic nasal mucosa. RESULTS The expression of AMCase and chitotriosidase mRNAs and proteins analyzed by RT-PCR and Western blot were detected in all normal and allergic turbinate mucosa tested. The levels of expression of AMCase and chitotriosidase mRNAs and proteins were increased in allergic turbinate mucosa compared with normal turbinate mucosa. In both normal and allergic turbinate mucosa, AMCase and chitotriosidase were detected in the epithelium, inflammatory cells, and submucosal glands. The staining intensity for AMCase and chitotriosidase was stronger in allergic nasal mucosa than normal nasal mucosa. CONCLUSIONS AMCase and chitotriosidase are constitutively expressed in normal turbinate mucosa, suggesting involvement in defense against chitin-containing pathogens. Upregulation of these chitinases in allergic condition suggests that they may play a role in the nasal allergic reaction like other inflammatory mediators in allergic rhinitis. Laryngoscope, 2010.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Woo Sung Cho
- Department of Otorhinolaryngology-Head and Neck Surgery, College of Medicine, Korea University, Seoul, South Korea
| | | | | | | | | | | | | | | |
Collapse
|
17
|
Wu AC, Lasky-Su J, Rogers CA, Klanderman BJ, Litonjua A. Polymorphisms of chitinases are not associated with asthma. J Allergy Clin Immunol 2010; 125:754-7, 757.e1-757.e2. [PMID: 20226308 PMCID: PMC2844863 DOI: 10.1016/j.jaci.2009.12.995] [Citation(s) in RCA: 13] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.9] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/16/2009] [Accepted: 12/23/2009] [Indexed: 10/19/2022]
Abstract
Despite the potential role of chitinases and chitinase-like proteins in the pathogenesis of asthma, variants in their respective genes are not associated with asthma, changes in lung physiology or allergy-related phenotypes in Caucasian children.
Collapse
|
18
|
Létuvé S, Kozhich A, Humbles A, Brewah Y, Dombret MC, Grandsaigne M, Adle H, Kolbeck R, Aubier M, Coyle AJ, Pretolani M. Lung chitinolytic activity and chitotriosidase are elevated in chronic obstructive pulmonary disease and contribute to lung inflammation. THE AMERICAN JOURNAL OF PATHOLOGY 2010; 176:638-49. [PMID: 20042671 PMCID: PMC2808072 DOI: 10.2353/ajpath.2010.090455] [Citation(s) in RCA: 58] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Accepted: 10/06/2009] [Indexed: 11/20/2022]
Abstract
Chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD) is characterized by chronic airway inflammation and emphysematous alveolar destruction. In this study, we have investigated whether chitotriosidase (ChTRase) and acidic mammalian chitinase, two chitinases with chitinolytic activity, are selectively augmented in COPD and contribute to its pathogenesis. We found that smokers with COPD, but not asthmatics, had higher chitinolytic activity and increased levels of ChTRase in bronchoalveolar lavage, more ChTRase-positive cells in bronchial biopsies, and an elevated proportion of alveolar macrophages expressing ChTRase than smokers without COPD or never-smokers. ChTRase accounted for approximately 80% of bronchoalveolar lavage chitinolytic activity, while acidic mammalian chitinase was undetectable. Bronchoalveolar lavage chitinolytic activity and ChTRase were associated with airflow obstruction and emphysema and with the levels of interleukin (IL)-1beta, IL-8, tumor-necrosis factor (TNF)-alpha, and its type II soluble receptor. Tumor necrosis factor-alpha stimulated ChTRase release only from alveolar macrophages from smokers with COPD, and exposure of these cells to ChTRase promoted the release of IL-8, monocyte-chemoattractant protein-1, and metalloproteinase-9. Finally, ChTRase overexpression in the lung of normal mice promoted macrophage recruitment and the synthesis of the murine homologue of IL-8, keratinocyte-derived cytokine, and of monocyte-chemoattractant protein-1. We conclude that pulmonary ChTRase overexpression may represent a novel important mechanism involved in COPD onset and progression.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Séverine Létuvé
- Institut National de la Sante et de la RechercheMedicale (Inserm) U700, 75018 Paris, France
| | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | |
Collapse
|
19
|
The chitinase and chitinase-like proteins: a review of genetic and functional studies in asthma and immune-mediated diseases. Curr Opin Allergy Clin Immunol 2009; 9:401-8. [PMID: 19644363 DOI: 10.1097/aci.0b013e3283306533] [Citation(s) in RCA: 85] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/06/2023]
Abstract
PURPOSE OF REVIEW The present review provides an overview of the chitinase and chitinase-like proteins, chitotriosidase (CHIT1), YKL-40, and acid mammalian chitinase, and summarizes the genetic studies of asthma and immune-mediated diseases with polymorphisms in the genes encoding these proteins, CHIT1, CHI3L1, and CHIA, respectively. RECENT FINDINGS Polymorphisms in the CHIT1, CHIA, and CHI3L1 genes influence chitotriosidase enzyme activity, acid mammalian chitinase activity, and YKL-40 levels, respectively. Regulatory SNPs in CHI3L1 were also associated with asthma, atopy, and immune-mediated diseases, and nonsynonymous SNPs in CHIA were associated with asthma. No CHIT1 polymorphisms, including a common nonfunctional 24-bp duplication allele, have been associated with asthma. SUMMARY These genes represent novel asthma susceptibility genes. Variations in CHI3L1 and CHIA have been associated with asthma risk. Polymorphisms in CHIT1 have not yet been associated with asthma, but few studies have been reported. Given that chitotriosidase is the major chitinase in the airways and a common nonfunctional allele is present in many populations, additional studies of this gene are warranted. Lastly, studies of all three genes need to be conducted in populations of diverse ancestries.
Collapse
|
20
|
Comabella M, Domínguez C, Rio J, Martín-Gallán P, Vilches A, Vilarrasa N, Espejo C, Montalban X. Plasma chitotriosidase activity in multiple sclerosis. Clin Immunol 2009; 131:216-22. [DOI: 10.1016/j.clim.2008.12.004] [Citation(s) in RCA: 26] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/08/2008] [Revised: 11/07/2008] [Accepted: 12/09/2008] [Indexed: 11/15/2022]
|
21
|
Sutherland TE, Maizels RM, Allen JE. Chitinases and chitinase-like proteins: potential therapeutic targets for the treatment of T-helper type 2 allergies. Clin Exp Allergy 2009; 39:943-55. [PMID: 19400900 DOI: 10.1111/j.1365-2222.2009.03243.x] [Citation(s) in RCA: 73] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.9] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 02/06/2023]
Abstract
Mammalian chitinase and chitinase-like proteins (CLPs) are a family of mediators increasingly associated with infection, T cell-mediated inflammation, wound healing, allergy and asthma. Although our current knowledge of the function of mammalian chitinases and CLPs is very limited, important information can be deduced from research carried out in lower organisms, and in different immunopathological conditions. Enzymatically active mammalian chitinase proteins may have evolved to degrade the copious amounts of chitin mammals are exposed to on a daily basis, and to form an innate barrier to chitin-containing organisms. CLPs are homologous to chitinases but lack the ability to degrade chitin. It is most striking that both chitinases and CLPs are up-regulated in T-helper type 2 (Th2)-driven conditions, and the first evidence is now emerging that these proteins may accentuate Th2 reactivity, and possibly contribute to the repair process that follows inflammation. Following studies demonstrating that chitinase inhibition leads to an attenuated allergic response, several strategies are being used to develop enzyme inhibitors for therapeutic use in human diseases. In this review, we will summarize recent insights into the effects of chitinases and CLPs in the context of Th2-dominated pathology with particular focus on allergy and asthma, discussing whether chitinase enzyme inhibitors may be of therapeutic value.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- T E Sutherland
- Ashworth Laboratories, Institute of Immunology and Infection Research, University of Edinburgh, Edinburgh, UK.
| | | | | |
Collapse
|
22
|
Lee P, Waalen J, Crain K, Smargon A, Beutler E. Human chitotriosidase polymorphisms G354R and A442V associated with reduced enzyme activity. Blood Cells Mol Dis 2007; 39:353-60. [PMID: 17693102 PMCID: PMC2696477 DOI: 10.1016/j.bcmd.2007.06.013] [Citation(s) in RCA: 38] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/06/2007] [Accepted: 06/06/2007] [Indexed: 10/23/2022]
Abstract
A common polymorphism in the chitotriosidase gene (CHIT1) exists in which a 24 bp duplication in exon 10 results in aberrant splicing and deletion of 87 nucleotides. In this study, the gene frequency was found to be 0.56 (n=2054) in subjects of Asian ancestry, 0.17 (n=984) in subjects of European ancestry and 0.07 (n=536) in subjects of African ancestry. Notably, the median enzyme activity in wild-type subjects (TT) was much higher in subjects of European ancestry (2.69 mU/ml, n=202 subjects), than subjects of African (2.57 mU/ml, n=230 subjects) (P<0.0001) and Asian ancestry (0.86 mU/ml, n=114 subjects) (P<0.0001). The question of why chitotriosidase deficiency exists at such a high frequency is a challenging one. We postulated that if there was a selective advantage for chitotriosidase deficiency then there would be polymorphisms that would be associated with reduced enzyme activity independent of the 24 bp duplication. We found that the G102S and the A442G polymorphisms found occurring in subjects of all ancestries were not significantly associated with a reduction of enzyme activity. In contrast, the G354R (P<0.0001) and the A442V (P=0.0013) polymorphisms occurring predominantly in subjects of African ancestry were significantly associated with reduced chitotriosidase activity. We also investigated the possibility that chitotriosidase deficiency was associated with tuberculosis or with atopy, including allergic rhinitis, contact dermatitis, food or drug allergies and asthma.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Pauline Lee
- The Scripps Research Institute, Department of Molecular and Experimental Medicine, 10550 North Torrey Pines Road, La Jolla, CA 92037, USA.
| | | | | | | | | |
Collapse
|