Description
Plasma protease C1 inhibitor, also known as C1-inhibiting factor, C1-INH, C1 esterase inhibitor, SERPING1 and C1IN, is a serine proteinase inhibitor (serpin).Serpin G1/C1 inhibitor is the physiological inhibitor of activated C1r and C1s and regulates activation of both the complement and contact systems. Deficiency of C1 inhibitor results in hereditary angioedema, which is characterized by recurrent episodes of localized angioedema of the skin, gastrointestinal mucosa or upper respiratory mucosa. C1 inhibitor may prove useful in a variety of other diseases including septic shock, reperfusion injury, hyperacute transplant rejection, traumatic and hemorrhagic shock, and the increased vascular permeability associated with thermal injury, interleukin-2 therapy and cardiopulmonary bypass.