Alpha-1 Antitrypsin is a single-chain glycoprotein, composed of 394 amino acids, weighing 52kDa with 3 sidechains of carbohydrates, with a half-life of 4-5 days. It is a protease inhibitor, one of the key members of the serpin superfamily. Production takes place in the liver, it is then transferred to the lungs via the bloodstream. The protein is vital for protection of the lung from common infections, chemicals, and harmful irritants, such as vapours, gases and tobacco smoke. Production of Alpha-1 antitrypsin in humans is roughly 34mg/kg/day, with concentrations in the blood coming to about 1-2g/L, with 80% passes into interstitial tissues, with 0.5-10% entering other biological fluid such as saliva, milk, semen, bile, urine and alveolar
