Biochemistry
Protease
An enzyme that cleaves peptide bonds, breaking peptides into smaller fragments.
Definition
Proteases (endopeptidases, exopeptidases) include DPP-4, neprilysin, trypsin, and chymotrypsin. Peptide drug design frequently targets resistance to specific proteases — e.g., semaglutide's acyl chain shields it from DPP-4.
Related terms
Back to the full peptide glossary.