Inter-α-trypsin inhibitor (IαI) family members are ancient and unique molecules that have evolved over several hundred million years of vertebrate evolution. IαI is a complex containing the proteoglycan bikunin to which heavy chain proteins are covalently attached to the chondroitin sulfate chain. Besides its matrix protective activity through protease inhibitory action, IαI family members interact with extracellular matrix molecules and most notably hyaluronan, inhibit complement, and provide cell regulatory functions. Recent evidence for the diverse roles of the IαI family in both biology and pathology is reviewed and gives insight into their pivotal roles in tissue homeostasis. In addition, the clinical uses of these molecules are explored, such as in the treatment of inflammatory conditions including sepsis and Kawasaki disease, which has recently been associated with severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2 infection in children:

Inter-α-胰蛋白酶抑制剂 (IαI) 家族成员是古老而独特的分子，经过数亿年的脊椎动物进化。IαI 是一种含有蛋白多糖 bikunin 的复合物，重链蛋白通过该复合物与硫酸软骨素链共价连接。除了通过蛋白酶抑制作用发挥基质保护作用外，IαI 家族成员还与细胞外基质分子相互作用，尤其是乙酰透明质酸，抑制补体，并提供细胞调节功能。回顾了 IαI 家族在生物学和病理学中的多种作用的最新证据，并深入了解它们在组织稳态中的关键作用。此外，还探索了这些分子的临床用途，例如治疗包括败血症和川崎病在内的炎症，