LTA4hydrolaasin

LTA4H, also known as leukotriene A4 hydrolase, is a bifunctional enzyme found in humans and other mammals. It plays a crucial role in the metabolism of arachidonic acid, a fatty acid involved in inflammatory responses. LTA4H catalyzes two distinct reactions. First, it acts as an epoxide hydrolase, converting leukotriene A4 (LTA4) into leukotriene B4 (LTB4). Second, it possesses aminopeptidase activity, cleaving amino acids from the N-terminus of various peptides.

The LTB4 produced by LTA4H is a potent chemoattractant for neutrophils and other inflammatory cells, contributing to the inflammatory cascade. LTB4 also plays a role in mediating pain and fever. The aminopeptidase activity of LTA4H is less well-understood but is thought to be involved in the processing of certain peptides and may have implications in inflammatory or immune processes.

Genetic variations in the LTA4H gene have been associated with a range of conditions, including asthma, inflammatory bowel disease, and cardiovascular disease. These associations suggest that LTA4H plays a significant role in modulating inflammatory responses and that its activity can influence susceptibility to or severity of various diseases. Research continues to explore the precise mechanisms by which LTA4H contributes to health and disease, with potential implications for therapeutic interventions targeting inflammatory pathways.