Anti-ACT antibody

Supplementary info

This supplementary information is collated from multiple sources and compiled automatically.

Activity summary

ACT also known as Alpha-1-antichymotrypsin is a serine protease inhibitor primarily involved in inhibiting enzymes like cathepsin G and chymase. It has a molecular mass of approximately 68 kDa. This protein is mainly expressed in hepatocytes but can also be found in other tissues including the lungs and intestines. Its role in the immune response and inflammation is significant given its protease inhibitory function.

Biological function summary

Alpha-1-antichymotrypsin plays a critical role in controlling proteolytic activities to prevent tissue damage during inflammation. As part of a family of serine protease inhibitors it forms complexes with its target enzymes thereby regulating their activity. This regulation is vital for maintaining homeostasis in bodily tissues especially during acute phase responses in the liver.

Pathways

Alpha-1-antichymotrypsin is involved in the acute phase response pathway which is key in modulating inflammation and responding to tissue injury. It also participates in the complement and coagulation cascades. Proteins such as C-reactive protein and other serine protease inhibitors are linked through these pathways working together to manage the body's response to damage and infection.

Associated diseases and disorders

Abnormalities in Alpha-1-antichymotrypsin function have been linked to chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD) and Alzheimer's disease. Deficiencies or mutations in this protein can exacerbate the protease-antiprotease imbalance in COPD. In Alzheimer's disease ACT is known to associate with amyloid plaques possibly influencing their formation or stability. Other proteins like the amyloid-beta peptide are connected through these diseases highlighting the complex interplay between ACT and pathological processes.