Elastase

Elastase is a protease enzyme that specifically breaks down elastin, an essential protein found in the connective tissue that gives elasticity to organs like the skin, lungs, and blood vessels. This enzyme belongs to the serine protease family and is primarily produced by neutrophils and pancreatic cells. In the lungs, neutrophil elastase helps control bacterial infections by degrading the proteins of pathogenic organisms. However, excessive elastase activity can contribute to diseases such as emphysema and chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD), where it damages lung tissue. In the pancreas, elastase is involved in digesting dietary proteins. Inhibitors of elastase are explored as potential therapies for conditions involving elastin degradation and inflammation.