Tumor-Associated Proteases

Tumor-associated proteases are a diverse group of enzymes that are overexpressed or aberrantly activated in the tumor microenvironment. They play critical roles in cancer progression, including tumor growth, invasion, metastasis, angiogenesis, and modulation of the immune response. These proteases can originate from both cancer cells and stromal components such as cancer-associated fibroblasts (CAFs) and tumor-associated macrophages (TAMs. Examples include uPA, MMPs, cathepsins and FAP. They are attractive targets for diagnostic imaging agents, prodrug therapies, antibody-drug conjugates, and direct enzyme inhibitors.

Other names

Cancer-associated proteasesProteases in tumor microenvironment

Inhibition of protease activity, blocking downstream signaling pathways, targeted drug delivery via protease-cleavable linkers