[Acid-stable protein proteinase inhibitors of mammals. Structure, properties, biological role]

The literary and experimental data on some new natural proteinase inhibitors derived from their precursor, plasma inter-alpha-trypsin inhibitor, or synthesized by secretory glands and mucous membranes of various mammalian organs and referred to as "acid-stable inhibitors" are discussed. The physico-chemical properties, primary structure, specificity and biological functions of these inhibitors are described. The mechanism of interaction of the acid-stable inhibitors with human granulocyte proteinases is discussed in terms of their pathophysiological importance. The antiinflammatory role of locally synthesized acid-stable inhibitors from genital and respiratory tracts and the role of these inhibitors in fertilization are discussed. The barrier function of the acid-stable inhibitors which, similar to that of the plasma labile inhibitors (alpha 1-antitrypsin, alpha 2-macroglobulin, etc.), restricts the destructive action of leukocyte proteinases under normal and pathological conditions is considered.