Characterisation of plant cysteine proteases with therapeutic potential

Two plant cysteine proteases have been shown to have immunosuppressive and immunostimulant effects, respectively in mammalian systems. These molecules therefore have therapeutic potential in a variety of diseases, but their mechanism of action is presently not characterised. We will characterise the molecular mechanism by which these proteases interact with their substrate molecules and then apply the information learned to discerning their substrates on a vital component of the immune system, the T-cell. The information will therefore significantly advance the development of these molecules as therapeutic agents by uncovering their mechanism of action.