European Journal of Biomedical and Pharmaceutical Sciences

SERINE PROTEASE INHIBITORS AS POTENTIAL THERAPEUTIC AGENTS: A PERSPECTIVE

*Sneharani A. H.

ABSTRACT

Serine proteases play a major role in various biological processes like cell signalling, digestion, immune responses, blood clotting and extracellular matrix remodelling. The dysregulation of serine proteases during diseased conditions ranging from cancer and inflammatory disorders to degenerative diseases and colitis represents their importance in various physiological conditions. One of the effective ways to regulate their effect is by inhibiting the proteolysis using protease inhibitors. Understanding the role and the underlying mechanism played by serine proteases and their inhibitors in various pathological conditions offer novel strategies for therapeutic intervention. Scientific reports highlight the effectiveness and potency of small cyclic peptides as protease inhibitors. Small cyclic peptides are advantageous over linear or high molecular weight protein inhibitors because of their stability and efficacy. The bioavailability of cyclic peptides is more due to their cell penetrating behaviour.

Keywords: Serine proteases, protease inhibitor, cyclic peptides, bowman-birk inhibitor.