[Proteolytic complex from Aspergillus terricola (review)]

Results are presented of the studies on the proteolytic enzymes produced by the fungus Aspergillus terricola that comprise the antiinflammatory drug Terrilytin. Terrilytin was shown to be a complex of three proteolytic enzymes that contained amylase as well. Two of the proteases (proteases I and II) were of the group of serine proteases by their physico-chemical and enzymatic characteristics and might be considered as two types of the same enzyme. Protease III showed characteristics specific for metalloproteases of the microbial origin, its activity being exhibited in case of the zinc ion presence. Fibrinolytic properties of Terrilytin are associated with the ability of all the three proteases to hydrolyze fibrin and fibrinogen.