Proteases in wound healing and immunity

Abstract

Proteases play a pivotal role in wound management. They are present in acute and chronic wound in different proportions. Balance between protease and their inhibitors are crucial for healing of wound because irregularity can lead to excessive extracellular matrix (ECM) degradation and deposition leading to impaired healing. Recent advancements in wound care established several means to control the level of proteases, such as MMP modulators including proteasemodulating dressing, signaling molecules, peptides, and microRNA. Besides wound healing, proteases also play a significant role in immunity. They activate immune cells by proteolysis. Function of proteases in the areas of wound healing and immunity can be targeted as an alternative therapeutic approach for treatment.