| abstract |
(57) [Summary]nThe present invention relates to multifunctional enzymes that can be derived from crustaceans or fish. This enzyme has at least one of chymotrypsin, trypsin, elastase, collagenase, and exopeptidase activities and a molecular weight between about 20 kd and about 40 kd as determined by SDS PAGE. . Preferably, the multifunctional enzyme has substantial cell-to-cell adhesion activity. Preferably, the multifunctional enzyme has substantial homology to a creel multifunctional enzyme. These enzymes include mold, bacterial or parasitic infections, including viral infections such as blistering outbreaks, primary and secondary infections of leprosy, colitis, ulcers, hemorrhoids, cornea, scarring, plaque, acne, cysts It is useful for treating immune diseases and cancer, including autoimmune diseases such as cystic fibrosis, blood clots, wounds, lupus erythematosus and multiple sclerosis. Furthermore, the invention relates to a method for purifying multifunctional enzymes and to the preparation of essentially purified multifunctional enzymes. |