Are There Therapeutic Applications for Modulating Cysteine Protease Activity?

Yes, there are several therapeutic strategies aimed at modulating the activity of cysteine proteases. Inhibitors of cathepsins are being explored to treat conditions like osteoporosis and cancer. Caspase inhibitors are also being investigated for their potential to prevent inappropriate cell death in diseases such as stroke and myocardial infarction. Understanding the precise roles of these enzymes in various tissues and conditions can lead to the development of targeted therapies that modulate their activity for beneficial outcomes.