protease

noun

pro·​te·​ase ˈprō-tē-ˌās 

-ˌāz

: any of numerous enzymes that hydrolyze proteins and are classified according to the most prominent functional group (such as serine or cysteine) at the active site

called also proteinase

Examples of protease in a Sentence

Recent Examples on the Web

The drug works differently from vaccines and monoclonal antibody treatments by targeting a different part of the virus, called proteases. —Kaitlin Sullivan, Health, 29 Sep. 2023

Another advantage of this veterinary diet is the addition of digestive enzymes such as protease and amylase. —Amber Smith, Discover Magazine, 11 Aug. 2023

By providing a blend of enzymes including protease, amylase, and lipase, these supplements can help your body break down food more efficiently and effectively. —Amber Smith, Discover Magazine, 5 June 2023

This easy to use powder is made with wholesome ingredients that are natural sources of various enzymes, including alpha-Amylase, cellulase, protease, and lipase. —Amber Smith, Discover Magazine, 23 Oct. 2022

But a protease is an enzyme that is involved in copying a virus’ genetic material, which meant that testing a protease inhibitor would involve using live viruses. —Matthew Herper, STAT, 28 Apr. 2022

Here are some tips: opt for a detergent that boasts enzymes, like protease, amylase, and lipase. —Amber Smith, Discover Magazine, 11 Apr. 2023

Enanta’s drug, called EDP-235, targets the coronavirus protease without the need for ritonavir. —Ryan Cross, BostonGlobe.com, 9 Nov. 2022

Two recent preprint studies in which SARS-CoV-2 was passaged in cells exposed in culture to nirmatrelvir documented the selection of a combination of two and three amino acid substitutions in the main protein protease of SARS-CoV-2 that confer resistance to the nirmatrelvir. —William A. Haseltine, Forbes, 9 June 2022

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Word History

Etymology

borrowed from French protéase, from protéine protein + -ase -ase

Note: The French term was probably introduced by the Italian microbiologist and philosopher Giovanni Malfitano (1872-1941) in "Sur le protéase de l'Aspergillus niger," Annales de l'Institut Pasteur, tome quatorzième (1900), p. 420. The term protease was used in English without attribution to Malfitano and perhaps coined independently by the British botanist Sydney Howard Vines (1849-1934) in "Proteolytic Enzymes in Plants," Annals of Botany, vol. 17, no. 65 (January, 1903), p. 237.

First Known Use

1903, in the meaning defined above

Phrases Containing protease

• protease inhibitor

• protease inhibitor

Medical Definition

protease

noun

pro·​te·​ase ˈprōt-ē-ˌās, -ˌāz 

: any of numerous enzymes that hydrolyze proteins and are classified according to the most prominent functional group (as serine or cysteine) at the active site

called also proteinase

compare peptidase