Can Cysteine Cathepsins Serve as Therapeutic Targets?
Given their significant role in cancer progression, cysteine cathepsins are considered promising therapeutic targets. Inhibitors of cysteine cathepsins have been developed and tested in preclinical models, showing potential in reducing tumor growth, invasion, and metastasis. However, the development of specific and effective cathepsin inhibitors remains a challenge due to the similarity among different cathepsin family members and the need to avoid off-target effects.
