Cathepsin E (CTSE)

Cathepsin E is an intracellular, non-lysosomal aspartic endopeptidase encoded by the CTSE gene, belonging to the peptidase A1 family. It is primarily found in immune cells, antigen-presenting cells, and epithelial cells of the stomach. Cathepsin E plays a vital role in the degradation of proteins, processing of antigens for presentation in the MHC class II pathway, and regulation of lysosomal homeostasis. Its activity influences immune surveillance, cytokine turnover, tissue homeostasis, and it may participate in apoptosis and tumor suppression. Cathepsin E is also implicated in inflammatory and neurodegenerative processes, as well as host defense against pathogens. Its expression is elevated in many cancers, particularly in the gastrointestinal and pancreatic tissues, offering value as a diagnostic biomarker and as a selective therapeutic target in cancer and immune-related diseases. Loss or deficiency of Cathepsin E function is associated with increased inflammation, impaired immune function, and susceptibility to skin disease. No approved drugs currently target Cathepsin E directly, but it remains a subject of active translational research

Other names

Cathepsin E form ICathepsin E form IICATEslow-moving proteinaseerythrocyte membrane aspartic proteinaseSMPEMAPnon-pepsin proteinasecathepsin D-like acid proteinasecathepsin E-like acid proteinasecathepsin D-type proteinase

Inhibition of enzymatic (aspartic protease) activity (mechanism for small molecule inhibitors, probes, or research reagents); Modulation of antigen processing for immune presentation