MUC-5AC is a large gel-forming glycoprotein. In the respiratory tract, it protects against infection by binding to inhaled pathogens, which are subsequently removed by mucociliary clearance. Overproduction of MUC-5AC can contribute to diseases such as asthma and chronic obstructive pulmonary disease,[8] and has also been associated with greater protection against influenza infection.[9]
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^Samsuzzaman M, Uddin MS, Shah MA, Mathew B (August 2019). "Natural inhibitors on airway mucin: Molecular insight into the therapeutic potential targeting MUC5AC expression and production". Life Sciences. 231: 116485. doi:10.1016/j.lfs.2019.05.041. PMID31116959. S2CID162182150.