Our understanding of how proteases function and interact within the gastrointestinal tract has been largely restricted to their role in nutrient digestion; however, it has become clear that proteases are involved in regulating signaling processes that are important for intestinal epithelial cell function. In this Review, the authors discuss how proteases impact gastrointestinal pathophysiology, specifically mucosal permeability, immune defense mechanisms and pathogenic challenges.
- Toni M Antalis
- Terez Shea-Donohue
- Alessio Fasano
