Hirustasin
Serine proteinase inhibitor targeting tissue kallikrein — anti-inflammatory pathway.
Praeklinisch / mechanistischLast updated: 2026-05-26 · Reviewed by ASH Editorial Board
Mechanistic Evidence Box
Preclinical / mechanistic- Page type
- Compound profile
- Evidence type
- Serine proteinase inhibitor targeting tissue kallikrein — anti-inflammatory pathway.
- Evidence level
- In vitro
- Drug vs leech
- Purified natural compound
Clinical translation limit
Hirustasin's in vitro inhibition of tissue kallikrein does not establish clinical anti-inflammatory efficacy. No FDA-approved derivative exists. Mechanism is preclinical/biochemical only.
Molecular Profile
- Category
- Proteinase Inhibitor
- Evidence tier
- Preclinical
- Molecular weight
- 5,900 Da
- Source species
- Hirudo medicinalis
- Discovered
- 1994 · Söllner et al.
- PDB structures
- 1HIA
Biological Targets
- → tissue kallikrein
- → trypsin
- → chymotrypsin
Key Citations
- Söllner C et al. (1994), Eur J Biochem
External Resources
Related Proteinase Inhibitor Compounds
Eglin C
Potent inhibitor of human leukocyte elastase and cathepsin G — anti-inflammatory protein widely used as research tool.
Bdellin B3
Kazal-type proteinase inhibitor targeting trypsin and plasmin — modulates inflammatory cascade.
LDTI (Leech-Derived Tryptase Inhibitor)
Selective inhibitor of human mast cell tryptase — anti-inflammatory pathway.
LCI (Leech Carboxypeptidase Inhibitor)
Inhibitor of TAFI (thrombin-activatable fibrinolysis inhibitor) — synergizes with hirudin's anticoagulant action.