Chymases (EC3.4.21.39, mast cell protease 1, skeletal muscle protease, skin chymotryptic proteinase, mast cell serine proteinase, skeletal muscle protease) are a family ofserine proteases found primarily inmast cells, though also present inbasophil granulocytes (e.g. alpha chymase mcpt8). Recently, Derakhshan et al. reported that a specific mast cell population expressed transcripts for Mcpt8.[1] They show broad peptidolytic activity and are involved in a variety of functions. For example, chymases are released by connective tissue-type mast cells upon challenge withparasites and parasiteantigens promoting an inflammatory response, and chymase mcp1 and mcp2 are used for marker for mast cell degranulation in parasite infection such asNematode,[2]Trichuris muris[3][4] Chymases are also known to convertangiotensin I to angiotensin II and thus play a role inhypertension andatherosclerosis.[5]
Because of its role in inflammation it has been investigated as a target in the treatment of asthma.[6]
^Betts CJ, Else KJ (January 1999). "Mast cells, eosinophils and antibody-mediated cellular cytotoxicity are not critical in resistance to Trichuris muris".Parasite Immunology.21 (1):45–52.doi:10.1046/j.1365-3024.1999.00200.x.PMID10081771.S2CID31343469.
