Serpin A3C

Serpin A3C belongs to the SERPINA3 cluster of closely related serpin genes on human chromosome 14 and was formerly described as an antichymotrypsin-like protein. It is a secreted glycoprotein whose reactive center loop inhibits chymotrypsin-like serine proteases, with documented activity against cathepsin G and mast cell chymase. Expression is highest in lung and heart and is induced by inflammatory stimuli, positioning A3C at mucosal and vascular sites where neutrophil and mast cell proteases are released. Because of extensive homology within the A3 cluster, recombinant A3C is valuable for isoform-specific antibody validation and for dissecting the individual protease targets of cluster members.