Related Experiment Video
Updated: May 26, 2026

Measurement of Chitinase Activity in Biological Samples
Published on: August 22, 2019
Chitin, chitinase responses, and invasive fungal infections
1Department of Immunology and Irell & Manella Graduate School of Biological Sciences, Beckman Research Institute, City of Hope, 1500 East Duarte Road, Duarte, CA 91010, USA.
Abstract:
The human immune system is capable of recognizing and degrading chitin, an important cell wall component of pathogenic fungi. In the context of host-immune responses to fungal infections, herein we review the particular contributions and interplay of fungus and chitin recognition, and chitin-degrading enzymes, known as chitinases. The mechanisms of host chitinase responses may have implications for diagnostic assays as well as novel therapeutic approaches for patients that are at risk of contracting fatal fungal infections.
Related Concept Videos
Overview of Fungi
Fungal Phylum Microsporidia
Antifungal Agents
Fungal Phylum Ascomycota
Biodeterioration
Gene Regulation in Microbial Communities: Quorum Sensing
