Cysteine cathepsins: In health and rheumatoid arthritis

Abstract

Proteases are enzymes which catalyze the irreversible hydrolysis of peptide bonds in proteins. Cysteine cathepsins belonging to proteases have also been termed as papain-like proteases because they resemble the overall fold of papain. The present chapter aims to focus on the historical aspects, structure, cellular distribution, biosynthesis, mechanism of catalysis, its regulation, physiological functions, and its association with rheumatoid arthritis. As these enzymes are also new therapeutic drug targets, information on available assays of cysteine cathepsins and their inhibitors are also highlighted which will help in the development of therapies in various diseases.