Potential Roles and Future Perspectives of Chitinase 3-like 1 in Macrophage Polarization and the Development of Diseases

Abstract

Chitinase-3-like protein 1 (CHI3L1), a chitinase-like protein family member, is a secreted glycoprotein that mediates macrophage polarization, inflammation, apoptosis, angiogenesis, and carcinogenesis. Abnormal CHI3L1 expression has been associated with multiple metabolic and neurological disorders, including diabetes, atherosclerosis, and Alzheimer’s disease. Aberrant CHI3L1 expression is also reportedly associated with tumor migration and metastasis, as well as contributions to immune escape, playing important roles in tumor progression. However, the physiological and pathophysiological roles of CHI3L1 in the development of metabolic and neurodegenerative diseases and cancer remain unclear. Understanding the polarization relationship between CHI3L1 and macrophages is crucial for disease progression. Recent research has uncovered the complex mechanisms of CHI3L1 in different diseases, highlighting its close association with macrophage functional polarization. In this article, we review recent findings regarding the various disease types and summarize the relationship between macrophages and CHI3L1. Furthermore, this article also provides a brief overview of the various mechanisms and inhibitors employed to inhibit CHI3L1 and disrupt its interaction with receptors. These endeavors highlight the pivotal roles of CHI3L1 and suggest therapeutic approaches targeting CHI3L1 in the development of metabolic diseases, neurodegenerative diseases, and cancers.

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“…Sub-cluster 3 was characterised by CHI3L1 (a chitinase-like protein with broad ranging activity in inflammation, tissue repair and macrophage polarisation 44 ; Fig. 6b and f), NUPR1 (strongly expressed by basophils and neutrophils), FBP1 (fructose-1,6bisphosphatase 1, recently identified as a marker of human M1 polarisation 45 ) and MT1G (metallothionein 1G, associated with cancer associated TREM hi macrophages 46 and a pleiotropic regulator of myeloid cell function 47 ).…”