Cathepsin S as a cancer target

Cathepsin S is a lysosomal enzyme that belongs to the papain family of cysteine proteases. Multiple studies indicate that cathepsin S acts not only as a crucial role in antigen presentation but also as an important protagonist of cancers. Cathepsin S has been shown to participate in dissolution and remodelling of connective tissue and basement membranes, resulting in the process of tumor growth, invasion, metastasis and angiogenesis. Therefore, cathepsin S has been suggested as a potential therapeutic target in cancer therapy. In the present study, we review the rapidly advancing field of cathepsin S in cancer therapy, highlighting the specific roles of cathepsin S in cancer.