Presence of chitinase enzymes in crocodilians

Abstract

Chitin is an abundant bio-polymer present as a structural component of many organisms such as arthropods, nematodes, mollusks, insects, and fungi, among others. Chitinolytic enzymes are synthesized for organisms to defend themselves against chitin-containing pathogens. Chitotriosidase (CHT) is a chitinase enzyme and one of the main proteins secreted by activated macrophages. It plays an important role in mechanisms of immunity by hydrolyzing chitin, thus protecting against chitin-containing pathogens. In this study, CHT was detected in Caiman latirostris plasma, and characterized under laboratory controlled conditions of temperature, reaction time, plasma concentration, pH and salinity. The results complement other immunological studies performed in caimans and demonstrate that they possess an efficient and well-developed immune system that resists the attack of some pathogens. Based on the current knowledge of the properties and homologies of CHT, it would be highly valuable to evaluate its possible therapeutic application in the veterinary clinical setting.