Enzyme
Proteases
Enzymes that break down proteins
Hypotheses on this target 7
Inhibition6
Activation
Lower level1
Higher level
Replacement
Protection from degradation
Cofactor removal
Synthesis suppression
Function preservation
Inhibition6
Nerve-triggered mast cell proteases may be required for initial skin injury under heat and pressure
Where this hypothesis actsExtracellular proteases released by mast cells in aged skin exposed to moderate heat and pressure
What is proposedSelectively inhibit protease activity
With whatNot stated in the record
HowSelective inhibition of proteases while preserving neuronal activity; no specific inhibitor is stated
Possible resultPossible prevention of the first irreversible keratinocyte damage while preserving neuronal activity
2026-09-26
Washing may weaken the skin barrier by activating enzymes that destroy lipid-processing enzymes
Where this hypothesis actsSerine proteases in the stratum corneum after washing, while pH remains elevated
What is proposedInhibit serine proteases immediately after washing
With whatSmall molecule
HowAdd a protease inhibitor before lipid-processing enzymes are cleaved; check that it does not alter friction, hydration or lipid organization
Possible resultPossible prevention of enzyme loss and reduced tolerance to subsequent friction
2026-09-25
Clearing residual bacteria redirects protein-cutting enzymes toward host tissue
Where this hypothesis actsExtracellular neutrophil proteases during clearance of residual bacterial infection in older adults
What is proposedReduce protease cleavage of host proteins
With whatProtein or peptide as the agent
HowNeutralize proteases or add purified, readily cleavable microbial substrate to compete with host proteins during pathogen suppression
Possible resultPossible prevention of new tissue injury and stabilization of SPV_5 during pathogen clearance
2026-09-21
Slow recovery of blood vessel tone may explain redness after the skin barrier has recovered
Where this hypothesis actsSkin after scratching prevention, with residual redness and hypothesized recovery of barrier function
What is proposedSelectively suppress microbial protease activity to test for additional functional benefit
With whatNot stated in the record
HowNot stated in the record
Possible resultExpected reduction in measured enzyme activity with no additional improvement in barrier function
2026-09-26
Cyclic microbial competition may drive recurring skin damage through protease release
Where this hypothesis actsProtease secreted by a skin-damaging strain within the competing microbial community
What is proposedDisable the damaging strain's protease
With whatMicrobial intervention
HowReplace the damaging strain with a variant whose protease is switched off, preserving microbial competition
Possible resultPossible elimination of skin damage while microbial competition persists
2026-09-25
Parallel routes activating skin cells may sustain barrier damage after protease suppression
Where this hypothesis actsMicrobial proteases after scratching has stopped, with microbial abundance unchanged
What is proposedSuppress microbial protease activity while maintaining microbial abundance
With whatNot stated in the record
HowNot stated in the record
Possible resultExpected persistence of barrier damage through independently active PSMα and TLR2 pathways
2026-09-25
Lower level1
Sweat enzymes may weaken healing skin by cutting the protein links between surface cells
Where this hypothesis actsSweat contacting recently healed skin under moist clothing
What is proposedSuppress protease activity to prevent cleavage of corneodesmosomal proteins
With whatRemoval from a body fluid
HowSelectively remove the active protease fraction from sweat while preserving sweating and evaporative heat loss
Possible resultPossible preservation of the mechanical damage threshold and stabilization of SPV_3
2026-09-25