Dictionary of Allergies .. Acid protease

Candida albicans (C. alb.) exists in the host mucosa and secrets enzymes, such as acid protease (AP) and phosphatase, which degrade secretory IgA and IgG. These immunoglobulins attack C. alb as part of the host’s immune defence system. The production of IgE antibodies against these enzymes leads to atopic reactions[1].

Migration of eosinophils into bronchial mucosa requires proteolysis. Montelukast, a cysteinyl leukotriene (CysLT) 1 receptor antagonist used in asthma treatment, decreases eosinophil infiltration into the asthmatic airways, suggesting that CysLTs modulate eosinophil protease activity[2].

1. Akiyama, K et al: Assay for detecting IgE and IgG antibodies against Candida albicans cell-wall  Allergy 1998:53:173-179
2.Langlois A, Ferland C, Tremblay GM, Laviolette M. Montelukast regulates eosinophil protease activity through a leukotriene-independent mechanism. J Allergy Clin Immunol. 2006 Jul;118(1):113-9. Epub 2006 May 19.