ALKALINE SERINE PROTEASE

What is alkaline serine protease?

Alkaline serine protease is a protease whose primary role is to break down proteins. It can be derived from the Neanthes japonica worm [^[1]].

What does alkaline serine protease do in the body?

Alkaline serine protease breaks down proteins in the body. These proteins include inflammatory cytokines, the enzyme thrombin, which causes blood clots, and proteins such as the SARS-CoV-2 spike protein. Because of its anti-spike protein activity, alkaline serine protease represents a natural therapeutic against COVID-19 [^[2]].

In animal studies, alkaline serine protease was found not toxic to organs, including the liver, the heart, and the kidneys [^[3]].

How can alkaline serine protease help alleviate certain Long COVID symptoms and pathophysiology? 

Researchers suggest that alkaline serine protease can act as a scavenger in the body, breaking down spike protein throughout the bloodstream due to its role in breaking down spike proteins. This can be helpful for Long COVID patients who still may have the virus in their system after the acute COVID-19 disease phase. An added feature of alkaline serine protease is that it is not toxic to organs such as the liver, heart, and kidneys, though it can reduce stroke risk [^[4]]. Researchers hypothesize that alkaline serine protease can be used to prevent and treat heart and vascular inflammation and injuries resulting from the mRNA COVID vaccine in people with Long COVID [^[5]].