Identification and characterization of a novel elastase inhibitor from Hirudinaria manillensis

摘要

A large number of protease inhibitors have been found from leeches,which are essential in various physiological and biological processes.In the curret study,a novel elastase inhibitor was purified and characterized from the leech of Hirudinaria manillensis,which was named HMEI-A.Primary structure analysis showed that HMEI-A belonged to a new family of proteins.HMEI-A exerted inhibitory effects on elastase and showed potent abilities to inhibit elastase with an inhibition constant(Ki)of 1.69×10^(−8) mol·L^(−1).Further study showed that HMEI-A inhibited the formation of neutrophil extracellular trap(NET).These results suggested that HMEIA from the leech of H.manillensis is a novel elastase inhibitor which can suppress NET formation.It may play a significant role in blood-sucking of leeches and is a potential candidate as an anti-inflammatory agent.