A novel role for neutrophil-derived proteases in neutrophil function

These studies demonstrated a key role for cathepsin Sin the processing and maturation of cathepsin C, with inhibition of cathepsin S resulting in a significant reduction in cathepsin C activity.</p><p></p><p>Next, we aimed to determine the effects of cathepsin S inhibition in a mouse model of acute lung inflammation. Interestingly, analysis of the bone marrow neutrophil compartment elucidated a potential role for cathepsin Sin neutrophil maturation.</p><p></p><p>Finally, we demonstrated that inhibitor treatment induced enrichment of functional pathways relating to chemotaxis.

These findings suggest that cathepsin S plays a key role in neutrophil chemotaxis by regulating the cell-surface expression of key chemokine receptors and modulating the transcriptome. Further work is required to elucidate a mechanism behind this effect; however, this thesis may suggest that cathepsin S represents another promising therapeutic target for inflammatory lung diseases.</p><br><i>Thesis embargoed until 31 July 2029.</i>