Significance of chitinase-3-like protein 1 in the pathogenesis of inflammatory diseases and cancer

Chitinase-3-like protein 1 (CHI3L1) is a secreted glycoprotein that mediates inflammation, macrophage polarization, apoptosis, and carcinogenesis. The expression of CHI3L1 is strongly upregulated by various inflammatory and immunological diseases, including several cancers, Alzheimer’s disease, and atherosclerosis. Several studies have shown that CHI3L1 can be considered as a marker of disease diagnosis, prognosis, disease activity, and severity. In addition, the proinflammatory action of CHI3L1 may be mediated via responses to various proinflammatory cytokines, including tumor necrosis factor-α, interleukin-1β, interleukin-6, and interferon-γ. Therefore, CHI3L1 may contribute to a vast array of inflammatory diseases. However, its pathophysiological and pharmacological roles in the development of inflammatory diseases remain unclear. In this article, we review recent findings regarding the roles of CHI3L1 in the development of inflammatory diseases and suggest therapeutic approaches that target CHI3L1. Protein CHI3L1: a potential game-changer in inflammatory disease treatment Chitinase-3-like protein 1 (CHI3L1) is a secreted glycoprotein with diverse roles in inflammation, macrophage polarization, apoptosis, and carcinogenesis. Pro-inflammatory effects of CHI3L1 are attributed to its response to various pro-inflammatory cytokines, including tumor necrosis factor-α, interleukin-1β, interleukin-6, and interferon-γ. Consequently, CHI3L1 is implicated in a wide range of inflammatory diseases. This review summarizes the significance of CHI3L1 as a potential target in multiple inflammatory diseases and cancer by analyzing data from platforms like Open Targets and other data-analysis tools. Furthermore, we have utilized platforms like STRING to identify potential target proteins for CHI3L1 in various inflammatory diseases and cancer. In this article, we provide a comprehensive review of recent findings regarding the involvement of CHI3L1 in the development of inflammatory diseases and cancer. Finally, we propose therapeutic approaches targeting CHI3L1 for treatment of these diseases. This summary was initially drafted using artificial intelligence, then revised and fact-checked by the author.