Serine proteases and their inhibitors in human health and disease

Abstract

Serine proteases and their inhibitors are being extensively studied in the past few decades, accentuating their pivotal role in diverse biological processes. In this chapter, we have discussed about their role as drug targets, associated pathologies and therapeutic interventions. Fine tune equilibrium between proteolytic enzymes and their respective inhibitors enables normal functions of the body. The upregulation or downregulation of this class of molecules is deleterious and results in various diseased conditions like inflammation, cancer, skin diseases, atherosclerosis, immunological disorders, coagulation abnormalities, pulmonary and neuronal disorders, and other pathologies. Several approaches to illustrate this relationship are comprehended with consequent stress on how these findings apply to pathologies that are the outcome of malfunction of serine proteases or their inhibitors. We have outlined the history and classification of proteases and their inhibitors as therapeutics and drug targets. Also an overview of their current clinical applications and approaches to improve and expand their use is discussed.