Tryptase is the major neutral protease present in mast cells and is secreted upon the coupled activation-degranulation response of this cell type. Has an immunoprotective role during bacterial infection. Required to efficiently combat K.pneumoniae infection.
[1]Cloning of the cDNA and gene of mouse mast cell protease-6. Transcription by progenitor mast cells and mast cells of the connective tissue subclass.Reynolds D.S., Gurley D.S., Austen K.F., Serafin W.E.J. Biol. Chem. 266:3847-3853(1991) [2]Expression
