Role of proteases in idiopathic pulmonary fibrosis

Abstract

Idiopathic pulmonary fibrosis may be described as the debilitating condition oflung where excessive collagen-rich extracellular matrix (ECM) gets deposited. From the chemical and biological properties, it can be assumed that the activitiesof proteases can degrade matrix. Though, some of the proteases are anti-fibrotic, whereas most of them have profibrotic functions. Proteases perform importantfunctions in a range of biological processes, like tissue repairing, remodeling, and providing immunity. However, the exact mechanism is yet to be known howthese enzymes work during fibrosis; i.e., the proteins that the proteases target toperform a specific process and its effect on ECM turnover is still opaque.However, experimental models and clinical studies have identified some crucialsteps that could help understanding the disease mechanism and also herald aground for future therapy.