PubMed · 8930118
Alpha 1-antichymotrypsin.
Abstract
alpha 1-Antichymotrypsin, a member of the serine proteinase inhibitor (serpin) family, inhibits neutrophil proteinase cathepsin G and mast cell chymases, and protects the lower respiratory tract from damage by proteolytic enzymes. It contains a reactive centre loop, which interacts with cognate proteinases, resulting in loop cleavage and a major conformational change. Recently, alpha 1-antichymotrypsin has been identified as a major constituent of the neurofibrillary plaques associated with Alzheimer's disease, and in vitro studies have shown that it enhances the rate of amyloid-fibril formation. These observations and recent genetic evidence suggest that alpha 1-antichymotrypsin is important in the pathogenesis of Alzheimer's disease.
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N A Kalsheker. 1996. Alpha 1-antichymotrypsin.. https://doi.org/10.1016/1357-2725(96)00032-5
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