Abstract

Serine proteases drive important physiological processes such as coagulation, fibrinolysis, inflammation and angiogenesis. These proteases are controlled by serine protease inhibitors (SERPINs) that neutralize their activity. Currently, over 1,500 SERPINs are known in nature, but only 37 SERPINs are found in humans. Thirty of these are functional protease inhibitors. The inhibitory potential of SERPINs is in perfect balance with the proteolytic activities of its targets to enable physiological protease activity. Hence, SERPIN deficiency (either qualitative or quantitative) can lead to disease. Several SERPIN resupplementation strategies have been developed to treat SERPIN deficiencies, including concentrates derived from plasma and recombinant SERPINs. SERPINs usually inhibit multiple proteases, but only in their active state. Over the past decades, considerable insights have been acquired in the identification of SERPIN biological functions, their inhibitory mechanisms and specificity determinants. This paves the way for the development of therapeutic SERPINs. Through rational design, the inhibitory properties (selectivity and inhibitory potential) of SERPINs can be reformed and optimized. This review explores the current state of SERPIN engineering with a focus on reactive center loop modifications and backbone stabilization. We will discuss the lessons learned from these recombinant SERPINs and explore novel techniques and strategies that will be essential for the creation and application of the future generation of therapeutic SERPINs.

Highlights

  • Coen Maas and Steven de Maat*Edited by: Marie-Christine Bouton, Institut National de la Santé et de la Recherche Médicale (INSERM), France

  • One third of all proteases belong to the superfamily of serine proteases, which can be found throughout all kingdoms of life

  • The protease active site becomes distorted, and it can no longer hydrolyze the tetrahedral intermediate [15]. When this occurs in the extracellular space, the serine protease inhibitors (SERPINs)-protease complex will be cleared via scavenger receptors

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Summary

Coen Maas and Steven de Maat*

Edited by: Marie-Christine Bouton, Institut National de la Santé et de la Recherche Médicale (INSERM), France. Serine proteases drive important physiological processes such as coagulation, fibrinolysis, inflammation and angiogenesis. These proteases are controlled by serine protease inhibitors (SERPINs) that neutralize their activity. Over 1,500 SERPINs are known in nature, but only 37 SERPINs are found in humans Thirty of these are functional protease inhibitors. Considerable insights have been acquired in the identification of SERPIN biological functions, their inhibitory mechanisms and specificity determinants. This paves the way for the development of therapeutic SERPINs. Through rational design, the inhibitory properties (selectivity and inhibitory potential) of SERPINs can be reformed and optimized.

INTRODUCTION
SERPINs in Human Physiology
SERPINs Mode of Action
SUPERCHARGING SERPINS
TAILORING SERPIN EFFICACY AND SPECIFICITY
Wild Type
Redesigning RCL Specificity
Viral SERPINs
AUTHOR CONTRIBUTIONS

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