Neutrophil elastase and cathepsin G: structure, function, and biological control.

Human neutrophils utilize a variety of destructive enzymes during the process of phagocytosis. These include proteinases, phosphatases, glycosidases, nucleases, and oxidases. The major enzymes have been determined to be elastase, cathepsin G, myeloperoxidase, and lysozyme (1), while minor proteins include collagenase, lactoferrin, alkaline phosphatase, and a myriad of other proteins.