Serine Protease Inhibitors
Serine protease inhibitors, also known as serpin, are a group of proteins that regulate the activity of serine proteases, which are enzymes that play crucial roles in various biological processes, including digestion, immune response, and blood coagulation. By binding to these enzymes, serine protease inhibitors prevent them from breaking down proteins, thus controlling their activity and maintaining balance in physiological functions.
These inhibitors are essential for protecting tissues from excessive proteolytic activity, which can lead to inflammation and tissue damage. They are found in many organisms, including humans, and are involved in various diseases, such as cancer and thrombosis, highlighting their importance in health and disease management.