Neutrophil Serine Proteases: Future Therapeutic Targets in Patients with Severe Chronic Neutropenia and Leukemia?

It has recently been discovered that members of the hematopoietic serine protease superfamily, such as cathepsin G, neutrophil elastase, and proteinase 3, may play an important role in myeloid biology by suppressing granulopoiesis. Patients with hematological disorders, such as severe chronic neutropenia and myelogenous leukemia, may have mutations in genes encoding neutrophil serine proteases or alterations in the expression, localization or activity of the proteins. If these findings will stand the test of time, we may have caught a glimpse of the future regarding improved diagnosis, classification, and treatment of these severe blood disorders.