Protein protease inhibitors in insects and comparison with mammalian inhibitors

Abstract 1. 1. Studies on insect protein protease inhibitors are summarized. Biochemical, genetic and physiological investigations of the silkworm are performed. 2. 2. In addition, the properties and characteristics of fungal protease inhibitors from the silkworm ( Bombyx mori ) are described and their importance as defensive functions is emphasized. 3. 3. This review also concerns comparative and evolutionary studies of protease inhibitors from various sources. 4. 4. The biological significance of inhibitors is discussed in view of the extensive experimental results.