What is the role of alpha-1 antitrypsin in protecting the lungs from damage caused by neutrophil elastase?

A It inhibits the activity of neutrophil elastase, preventing excessive breakdown of lung tissue ✓
B It activates the production of more neutrophil elastase, increasing lung damage
C It has no effect on neutrophil elastase activity
D It only protects against bacterial infections in the lungs

Explanation

Alpha-1 antitrypsin is a protease inhibitor that protects the lungs from damage caused by neutrophil elastase, an enzyme released by neutrophils during inflammation. A deficiency in alpha-1 antitrypsin can lead to chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD).

Source

Guyton and Hall Textbook of Medical Physiology
Enzymes in Disease Biochemistry Protease Inhibitors Medium MEDICAL Confidence: high