Leech Elastase Inhibitor
Salivary inhibitor of neutrophil elastase — modulates inflammatory tissue damage.
Preclinical / mechanisticLast updated: 2026-05-26 · Reviewed by ASH Editorial Board
Mechanistic Evidence Box
Preclinical / mechanistic- Page type
- Compound profile
- Evidence type
- Salivary inhibitor of neutrophil elastase — modulates inflammatory tissue damage.
- Evidence level
- In vitro
- Drug vs leech
- Purified natural compound
Clinical translation limit
Leech elastase inhibitor is documented mechanistically only; no human evidence. In vitro inhibition of neutrophil elastase does NOT establish clinical anti-inflammatory efficacy, and no FDA-approved derivative from this homolog exists.
Molecular Profile
- Category
- Proteinase Inhibitor
- Evidence tier
- Preclinical
- Molecular weight
- 8,200 Da
- Source species
- Hirudo medicinalis
- Discovered
- 2007
Biological Targets
- → neutrophil elastase
- → cathepsin G
Key Citations
- Liu Z et al. (2019), Parasit Vectors
External Resources
Related Proteinase Inhibitor Compounds
Hirustasin
Serine proteinase inhibitor targeting tissue kallikrein — anti-inflammatory pathway.
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.