The class of Granzyme A Inhibitors comprises a diverse range of compounds primarily characterized by their ability to interfere with the proteolytic activity of Granzyme A. These inhibitors employ various mechanisms, such as directly binding to the active site of the enzyme (as in the case of AEBSF and Gabexate Mesylate), or indirectly affecting its function by modulating related proteases or signaling pathways (like Marimastat or E-64).
Granzyme A plays a crucial role in immune response by inducing apoptosis in target cells. Inhibitors like Aprotinin and Leupeptin work by binding to the protease, hindering its interaction with substrates. Others, such as Pepstatin A and Z-VAD-FMK, are more indirect, targeting other enzymes in the apoptosis pathway, thus potentially modulating the overall effect of Granzyme A. The inhibitors TLCK and TPCK are more specific in their action, selectively targeting serine proteases with similar characteristics to Granzyme A.