New insights on chitinases immunologic activities

Core Tip

Core tip: The chitinases and chitinase-like proteins are expressed in response to different pro-inflammatory signals by activated macrophages and in different monocyte-derived cell lines. The mechanism and molecular interaction of chitinases in the immune regulation embrace bacterial infection, inflammation, dismetabolic and degenerative disease. The concept of the chitinases involvement in human diseases discussed herein may stimulate the development of new studies leading to a deeper understanding on the biochemical mechanisms inducing chitinases regulation and on the consequences that the increases in chitinases levels impact with immunity and autoimmunity in different conditions. The future understanding on chitinase functions will lead to the opportunity to develop selective and specific chitinase inhibitors.