Functions as transport protein in the blood stream. Binds various hydrophobic ligands in the interior of its beta-barrel domain. Also binds synthetic drugs and influences their distribution and availability. Appears to function in modulating the activity of the immune system during the acute-phase reaction.
[1] "Structure and expression of the genes coding for human alpha 1-acid glycoprotein."Dente L., Pizza M.G., Metspalu A., Cortese R.EMBO J. 6:2289-2296(1987) [2] "Structure and characterisation of a duplicated human alpha 1 acid glycoprotein gene."Merrit