Table of Contents

ABSTRACT

Mammalian chitinase belongs to Family 18 of Glycosyl Hydrolase which catalyzes breakdown of chitin into either its oligomers through transglycosylation or to monomer through series of reaction. In the present natural environment, chitin acts asthe second most important polysaccharide found mostly in fungi, bacteria, crustaceans, insects as well as parasitic nematodes but is absent in mammals. Stimulation of strong T-helper type -1 response occurs in mammals when exposed to antigens containing chitin or chitin like proteins from surrounding environment. This leads to induction of mammalian chitinase at sites of inflammation. Mammalian chitinase is categorized as True enzyme and chitinase like protein. True enzyme such as acidic mammalian chitinase (AMCase) and chitotriosidase (CHIT1) is involved in hydrolysis of chitin depicting chitinase activity while that of chitinase like protein is involved only in binding process and not showing any activity. Major cells producing mammalian chitinase as well as chitinase like proteins are neutrophils, epithelial cells, synovial cells, macrophages, chondrocytes and tumour forming cells. Enzymatically active chitinase have specific pathway which links in association with various disorders. Chitotriosidase acts as an indicator for macrophage-driven inflammatory processes in various organs. Chitotriosidase remains to be the biomarkers for various diagnostic approach and evaluation several disorders while acidic mammalian chitinase is induced in T-helper type 2 reaction which deals with host defence against parasites and failure to control it may lead to chronic as well severe diseased condition. Here, in this review, potential role of chitotriosidase as well as acidic mammalian chitinase is discussed with its mechanisms which could improve further in diagnosis as well as in therapeutics in various diseased conditions.

Keywords: chitinase, chitotriosidase, acidic mammalian chitinase, applications