Pseudomonas aeruginosa elastase (LasB) as a therapeutic target

The Pseudomonas aeruginosa LasB elastase (elastase B, pseudolysin) is the predominant protease in the P. aeruginosa secretome. It has been shown to hydrolyse a vast array of host and pathogen proteins, degrading some, activating others, and causing damage to tissues, disrupting host immune responses, and promoting inflammation. It is a virulence factor in P. aeruginosa lung infections and has been proposed as an attractive target for the development of a novel antivirulence therapy. In this review, we summarise the activities and biological roles of LasB and focus on efforts to identify and develop specific LasB inhibitor drugs as adjuncts in the treatment of P. aeruginosa infections.