This family represents the C-terminal region of inter-alpha-trypsin inhibitor heavy chains. Inter-alpha-trypsin inhibitors are glycoproteins with a high inhibitory activity against trypsin, built up from different combinations of four polypeptides: bikunin and the three heavy chains that belong to this family (HC1, HC2, HC3). The heavy chains do not have any protease inhibitory properties but have the capacity to interact in vitro and in vivo with hyaluronic acid, which promotes the stability of the extra-cellular matrix [1]. All family members contain the Pfam:PF00092 domain.

1: [Proteins of the inter-alpha trypsin inhibitor (ITI) family. A major role in the biology of the extracellular matrix] Cuvelier A, Muir JF, Martin JP, Sesboue R; Rev Mal Respir 2000;17:437-446. PMID:10859762