CHI3L1 Antibodies

Structure of CHI3L1

The molecular weight of the CHI3L1 protein is approximately 40 kDa. Its size is relatively conserved among different species, but there are certain differences in its amino acid sequence, which are closely related to its biological functions.

The molecular structure of CHI3L1 protein consists of 383 amino acids and presents a compact spherical conformation composed of multiple domains. The core of this protein is a characteristic TIM barrel-shaped domain, which is formed by 8 parallel α helices and 8 β sheets arranged alternately. This structure endows the protein with high stability. There is a conserved heparin-binding site distributed on its surface, which is the key region for its interaction with the extracellular matrix. Although CHI3L1 belongs to the glycosyl hydrolase family 18, a crucial mutation has occurred at the catalytic site, where glutamate has been replaced by leucine, resulting in the loss of chitinase activity. This inactivated deep fissure domain can still bind chitin oligosaccharides and other polysaccharides, thereby mediating cell signal transduction. Additionally, this protein contains a conserved α/β domain, which participates in protein-protein interactions and is crucial for its binding to membrane receptors and activation of downstream pathways.

Fig. 1 CHI3L1’s (YKL40) biological and pathological characteristics.¹

Key structural properties of CHI3L1:

• The characteristic TIM barrel-shaped domain
• The inactive chitinase catalytic site
• The heparin binding site, located on the protein surface
• The conserved cysteine residues

Functions of CHI3L1

The CHI3L1 protein has multiple biological functions, mainly involved in inflammatory responses, cell proliferation, and tissue remodeling processes.

The expression of CHI3L1 is induced by various inflammatory factors such as IL-13 and TNF-α. Its signal transduction depends on the binding to transmembrane receptors such as TMEM219, which subsequently activates downstream pathways such as MAPK and NF-κB, thereby achieving transcriptional regulation of target genes.

Applications of CHI3L1 and CHI3L1 Antibody in Literature

1. Guo, Ling, et al. "Mechanistic studies on the role of CHI3L1 in eosinophilic inflammation in chronic sinusitis." Frontiers in Immunology 16 (2025): 1562546. https://doi.org/10.3389/fimmu.2025.1562546

The article indicates that over 10% of adults are affected by chronic rhinosinusitis (CRS), and the current treatments have a high recurrence rate. Chitinase 3-like protein 1 (CHI3L1) plays a crucial role in the activation and migration of eosinophils. This article reviews the biological characteristics and regulatory mechanisms of CHI3L1 in CRS, providing new ideas for precise targeted treatment of CRS.

2. Li, Tao, et al. "CHI3L1: a key driver in gastritis-to-cancer transformation." Journal of Translational Medicine 23.1 (2025): 349. https://doi.org/10.1186/s12967-025-06352-2

The research has found that CHI3L1 is a key driver gene for the transformation from gastritis to gastric cancer. It induces cellular malignant transformation by activating the CD44-β-catenin pathway. CHI3L1 is mainly secreted by fibroblasts and dendritic cells, and its high expression is associated with poor prognosis of gastric cancer, providing a new target for the early diagnosis and treatment of gastric cancer.

3. Jin, Guanghui, et al. "5-aminolevulinate and CHIL3/CHI3L1 treatment amid ischemia aids liver metabolism and reduces ischemia-reperfusion injury."Theranostics 13.14 (2023): 4802. https://doi.org/10.7150/thno.83163

The study found that supplementing with 5-ALA promotes M2 polarization of macrophages by down-regulating RelA and CX3CR1, and the CHIL3/CHI3L1 secreted by M2 improves the metabolism of liver cells. The combination of 5-ALA and CHIL3 can alleviate liver ischemia-reperfusion injury, providing a new strategy for clinical treatment.

4. Jatczak-Pawlik, Izabela, et al. "CHI3L1 in multiple sclerosis—From bench to clinic." Cells 13.24 (2024): 2086. https://doi.org/10.3390/cells13242086

The research has found that CHI3L1 is produced by central nervous system microglia and astrocytes, and is involved in the inflammatory and neurodegenerative processes of multiple sclerosis (MS). Its level can assist in the early diagnosis of MS, the assessment of disease progression, and the activation status of glial cells, providing a reference for optimizing treatment strategies.

5. Taifour, Tarek, et al. "The tumor-derived cytokine Chi3l1 induces neutrophil extracellular traps that promote T cell exclusion in triple-negative breast cancer." Immunity 56.12 (2023): 2755-2772. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.immuni.2023.11.002

The study found that high expression of CHI3L1 in triple-negative breast cancer is associated with T-cell stromal restriction. CHI3L1 hinders T-cell infiltration by promoting the recruitment of neutrophils and the formation of NETs. Targeting CHI3L1 can enhance anti-tumor immunity and improve the efficacy of immune checkpoint blockade.

Creative Biolabs: CHI3L1 Antibodies for Research

Creative Biolabs specializes in the production of high-quality CHI3L1 antibodies for research and industrial applications. Our portfolio includes monoclonal and polyclonal antibodies tailored for ELISA, Flow Cytometry, Western blot, immunohistochemistry, and other diagnostic methodologies.

• Custom CHI3L1 Antibody Development: Tailor-made solutions to meet specific research requirements.
• Bulk Production: Large-scale antibody manufacturing for industry partners.
• Technical Support: Expert consultation for protocol optimization and troubleshooting.
• Aliquoting Services: Conveniently sized aliquots for long-term storage and consistent experimental outcomes.

For more details on our CHI3L1 antibodies, custom preparations, or technical support, contact us at email.