Mouse Alpha-2-Macroglobulin (a2M) ELISA Kit-Sandwich

Alpha-2-macroglobulin-P can inhibit all four classes of proteinases through a unique "trapping" mechanism. This protein features a "bait region," a peptide stretch with specific cleavage sites for different proteinases. When a proteinase cleaves the bait region, the protein undergoes a conformational change that traps the proteinase. This entrapped enzyme remains active against low molecular weight substrates, although its activity against high molecular weight substrates is significantly diminished. After the bait region is cleaved, a thioester bond is hydrolyzed, facilitating covalent binding of the protein to the proteinase. In mice, α2-macroglobulin serves multiple roles, including acting as a protease inhibitor to protect cells, regulating immune responses, promoting tissue repair, participating in pregnancy, and being linked to various diseases.