Cationic proteins from human neutrophil granulocytes. Evidence for their chymotrypsin-like properties.

Abstract Three cationic proteins from the granules of human neutrophil granulocytes were obtained in a high degree of purity by means of affinity chromatography on 4-phenylbutylamine-Sepharose. Together with lysozyme, the three cationic proteins exhibit the highest electrophoretic mobility toward the cathode in acrylamide gels at moderately acid pH, among the granule constituents that are solubilized in 0.1 M phosphate buffer, pH 7.0, containing 1 M NaCl. The three cationic proteins represent a group of “neutral proteases” distinct from elastase and collagenase. They hydrolyze casein, azocasein and the chymotrypsin substrate N- acetyl - l - tyrosine ethyl ester. Optimal activity is found at pH 7.4–7.5. The enzymes are inhibited by the specific chymotrypsin inhibitor N- tosyl - l - phenylalanylchloromethane and by the naturally occurring inhibitors α-antichymotrypsin, α-1-antitrypsin, as well as by the trypsin inhibitors from soybeans and limabeans.