protease

protease /pro·te·ase/ (pro´te-ās) endopeptidase.

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pro·te·ase (prt-s, -z)

n.

Any of various enzymes, including the proteinases and peptidases, that catalyze the hydrolytic breakdown of proteins.

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protease

[prō′tē·ās]

an enzyme that is a catalyst in the breakdown of peptide bonds that join the amino acids in a protein. See also proteolysis.

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endopeptidase [en″do-pep´tĭ-dās]

any peptidase that catalyzes the cleavage of internal bonds in a polypeptide or protein. Inhibition of the action of endopeptidases (proteases) in viruses causes formation of noninfectious particles; certain antiviral drugs work in this way (see protease inhibitors). Called also protease and proteinase.

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protease

any proteolytic enzyme.

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protease-antiprotease imbalance

thought to play a part in the pathogenesis of emphysema by permitting excessive proteolysis, especially of elastin.

fecal protease

originate from the pancreas and include trypsin, chymotrypsin and carboxypeptidases. Proteolytic activity of the feces may be evaluated by tests that measure digestion of gelatin or casein-based substrates.

α1-protease inhibitor

α₁-antitrypsin.