MCPT-6

Tryptases are trypsin-like serine proteases, and beta tryptases appear to be the main isoenzymes expressed in mast cells. Mast cell protease-6 (MCP-6, MCPT6, or Tpsb2) is one of beta tryptases produced from mouse mast cells. It is stored in secretory granules of mast cells, where it forms active tetramers with heparin proteoglycan. Because of the unique arrangement of the active sites in the tetramer, which are facing a narrow central pore, Mcpt6 is resistant to macromolecular protease inhibitors. When mast cells are activated, Mcpt6 is released along with other proteins in secretory granules, participating in provoking inflammatory conditions. Mcpt6 has been implicated as a mediator in the pathogenesis of asthma and other allergic disorders in mouse models.