Leech Tryptase Inhibitor Variant
Additional Kazal-domain serine protease inhibitor reported in the leech salivary transcriptome with mast-cell tryptase selectivity.
Preclinical / mechanisticLast updated: 2026-05-26 · Reviewed by ASH Editorial Board
Mechanistic Evidence Box
Preclinical / mechanistic- Page type
- Compound profile
- Evidence type
- Additional Kazal-domain serine protease inhibitor reported in the leech salivary transcriptome with mast-cell tryptase selectivity.
- Evidence level
- In vitro
- Drug vs leech
- Purified natural compound
Clinical translation limit
This variant's in vitro tryptase inhibition does NOT establish clinical efficacy in mast-cell-driven inflammatory disease. No FDA-approved derivative exists.
Molecular Profile
- Category
- Proteinase Inhibitor
- Evidence tier
- Preclinical
- Molecular weight
- 5,200 Da
- Source species
- Hirudo medicinalis
- Discovered
- 2010
Biological Targets
- → mast cell tryptase
- → trypsin
Key Citations
- Sommerhoff CP et al. (1994), Biol Chem Hoppe Seyler · PMID 7888081
- Stubbs MT et al. (1997), J Biol Chem · PMID 9242660
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.