Neutrophil elastase: Difference between revisions

Latest revision as of 16:57, 29 December 2024

Neutrophil elastase

Neutrophil elastase is a serine protease enzyme that is primarily found in neutrophils, a type of white blood cell. It plays a crucial role in the immune system by breaking down proteins and peptides during the process of phagocytosis.

Function[edit]

Neutrophil elastase is involved in the degradation of various extracellular matrix proteins, including elastin, collagen, and fibronectin. This activity is essential for the immune response, allowing neutrophils to migrate through tissues to reach sites of infection or inflammation.

Clinical Significance[edit]

Excessive activity of neutrophil elastase can lead to tissue damage and is associated with several diseases. For example, in chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD), the enzyme contributes to the destruction of lung tissue. In cystic fibrosis, neutrophil elastase is involved in the degradation of lung epithelial cells, exacerbating the disease.

Regulation[edit]

The activity of neutrophil elastase is tightly regulated by endogenous inhibitors such as alpha-1 antitrypsin. A deficiency in alpha-1 antitrypsin can lead to unregulated activity of neutrophil elastase, resulting in conditions like emphysema.

Therapeutic Target[edit]

Neutrophil elastase is a target for therapeutic intervention in diseases where its activity is detrimental. Inhibitors of neutrophil elastase are being developed to treat conditions such as COPD and cystic fibrosis.

References[edit]

External Links[edit]

Neutrophil elastase on WikiMD

@@ Line 1: / Line 1: @@
-'''Neutrophil elastase''' is an enzyme that is part of the [[serine protease]] family. It is primarily produced by [[neutrophils]], a type of [[white blood cell]], and plays a crucial role in the immune response.
-== Function ==
+{{Infobox enzyme
+| name = Neutrophil elastase
+| image = <!-- Image removed -->
+| width =
+| caption =
+| EC_number = 3.4.21.37
+| CAS_number = 9004-06-2
+| GO_code = 0004252
+}}
-[[Neutrophil elastase]] is involved in the destruction of bacteria and other pathogens. It does this by breaking down the proteins in the cell walls of the pathogens, leading to their destruction. In addition to its role in the immune response, neutrophil elastase is also involved in tissue remodeling and inflammation.
+'''Neutrophil elastase''' is a [[serine protease]] enzyme that is primarily found in [[neutrophils]], a type of [[white blood cell]]. It plays a crucial role in the [[immune system]] by breaking down [[proteins]] and [[peptides]] during the process of [[phagocytosis]].
-== Structure ==
+== Function ==
+Neutrophil elastase is involved in the degradation of various [[extracellular matrix]] proteins, including [[elastin]], [[collagen]], and [[fibronectin]]. This activity is essential for the [[immune response]], allowing neutrophils to migrate through tissues to reach sites of [[infection]] or [[inflammation]].
-Neutrophil elastase is a single chain polypeptide composed of 218 amino acids. It has two domains: a small N-terminal domain and a large C-terminal domain. The active site of the enzyme is located in the C-terminal domain.
+== Clinical Significance ==
+Excessive activity of neutrophil elastase can lead to tissue damage and is associated with several [[diseases]]. For example, in [[chronic obstructive pulmonary disease]] (COPD), the enzyme contributes to the destruction of [[lung tissue]]. In [[cystic fibrosis]], neutrophil elastase is involved in the degradation of [[lung]] [[epithelial cells]], exacerbating the disease.
-== Clinical significance ==
+== Regulation ==
+The activity of neutrophil elastase is tightly regulated by [[endogenous]] inhibitors such as [[alpha-1 antitrypsin]]. A deficiency in alpha-1 antitrypsin can lead to unregulated activity of neutrophil elastase, resulting in conditions like [[emphysema]].
-Abnormalities in the function or regulation of neutrophil elastase can lead to a variety of diseases. For example, excessive activity of this enzyme can lead to tissue damage and inflammation, as seen in conditions such as [[chronic obstructive pulmonary disease]] (COPD) and [[cystic fibrosis]]. On the other hand, deficiencies in neutrophil elastase can result in immune deficiencies, making individuals more susceptible to infections.
+== Therapeutic Target ==
+Neutrophil elastase is a target for therapeutic intervention in diseases where its activity is detrimental. [[Inhibitors]] of neutrophil elastase are being developed to treat conditions such as [[COPD]] and [[cystic fibrosis]].
-== Inhibitors ==
+== See Also ==
+* [[Serine protease]]
+* [[Alpha-1 antitrypsin]]
+* [[Chronic obstructive pulmonary disease]]
+* [[Cystic fibrosis]]
-Several inhibitors of neutrophil elastase exist, both naturally in the body and as pharmaceutical agents. These inhibitors can help to regulate the activity of the enzyme and prevent tissue damage. Examples of these inhibitors include [[alpha-1 antitrypsin]] and [[elafin]].
+== References ==
+{{Reflist}}
-== See also ==
+== External Links ==
-* [[Protease]]
+* [https://www.wikimd.com/wiki/Neutrophil_elastase Neutrophil elastase on WikiMD]
-* [[Serine protease]]
-* [[Neutrophil]]
-* [[Alpha-1 antitrypsin]]
-* [[Elafin]]
 [[Category:Enzymes]]
+[[Category:Proteases]]
 [[Category:Immune system]]
-[[Category:Proteases]]
+[[Category:Pulmonology]]
-{{Enzymes}}
-{{Immune system}}
-{{Proteases-stub}}