Recent advances in microbial secondary metabolites: inhibitors of hydrolytic enzymes

We initiated the study of small molecular enzyme inhibitors produced by microorganisms and found about 50 new compounds. In this paper, the author reviewed our studies on inhibitors of various proteases and enzymes on the surface of animal cells. Small molecular inhibitors of cellular surface enzymes enhanced or suppressed immune response. Studies on kinin and its related areas are rapidly progressing as shown by papers presented in this symposium. Parallel to the progress in these areas, it will become possible to establish new screening methods and to find new compounds useful in the study of kinin and its related systems.