American Society of Hirudotherapy

LHyal (Leech Hyaluronidase)

Hyperactive Hirudo medicinalis hyaluronate hydrolase used for HA oligosaccharide industrial production — Liao 2023 yeast-surface-display recombinant biocatalyst.

Preclinical / mechanisticLast updated: 2026-05-27 · Reviewed by ASH Editorial Board
Molecular weight of LHyal (Leech Hyaluronidase) compared with other characterized leech-derived compoundsHementerin80 kDaHementin80 kDaHementin-Like Protein (HLP-1)80 kDaLeech Collagenase70 kDaHaemadipsa yanyuanensis Progr…70 kDaLeech Apyrase67 kDaCalin65 kDaHyaluronidase60 kDaAntithrombin III binding prot…58 kDaCollagenolytic Fibrinolysin55 kDaLHyal (Leech Hyaluronidase)50 kDaLeech Thrombospondin-Like Pro…50 kDa
Molecular weight (kilodaltons) of LHyal (Leech Hyaluronidase) (highlighted) alongside other characterized leech salivary compounds. Smaller proteins/peptides generally diffuse and act faster.

Mechanistic Evidence Box

Preclinical / mechanistic
Page type
Compound profile
Evidence type
Hyperactive Hirudo medicinalis hyaluronate hydrolase used for HA oligosaccharide industrial production — Liao 2023 yeast-surface-display recombinant biocatalyst.
Evidence level
In vitro
Drug vs leech
Recombinant (genetically expressed)

Clinical translation limit

LHyal's enzymatic activity in industrial HA oligosaccharide production does NOT establish clinical efficacy as a therapeutic agent. No FDA-approved LHyal derivative exists.

Molecular Profile

Category
ECM Enzyme
Evidence tier
Preclinical
Molecular weight
50,000 Da
Source species
Hirudo medicinalis
Discovered
2023 · Liao L et al.
LHyal (Leech Hyaluronidase) molecular structure

Biological Targets

  • → hyaluronic acid (extracellular matrix); produces size-specific HA oligosaccharides

Key Citations

  1. Liao L et al. (2023), Eng Microbiol · PMID 39628912

External Resources

    Related ECM Enzyme Compounds

    Hyaluronidase

    Enzyme that degrades hyaluronic acid in extracellular matrix — 'spreading factor' enhancing diffusion of other SGS compounds.

    Leech Collagenase

    ECM-degrading enzyme — facilitates spread of salivary compounds at the bite site.

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    This website provides educational information and does not constitute medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment recommendations. Medicinal leech therapy carries clinically meaningful risks and should be performed only by qualified clinicians under institutionally approved protocols. FDA 510(k) clearance for medicinal leeches is limited to specific indications; investigational and off-label discussions are labeled accordingly. For patient-specific guidance, consult a qualified healthcare provider.