A serine protease that also hydrolyses amides and esters.
An enzyme secreted by neutrophils (white blood cells that engulf pathogens) which catalyzes the cleavage (breakdown) of specific proteins that function to provide elasticity to certain tissues. May be indirectly responsible for some autoimmune diseases, such as arthritis (which results from breakdown of cartilage tissue). Elastase may also be indirectly responsible for the emphysema (caused by loss of lung elasticity) that results from prolonged smoke inhalation. When a-\ antitrypsin (anti-elastase) efficacy is reduced (via smoke) the now-unrestrained excess elastase destroys alveolar walls in the lungs by digesting elastic fibers and other connective tissue proteins.
A pancreatic enzyme that cleaves amino acids from proteins in the presence of trypsin.