Chickpea Kunitz Inhibitor: A mechanistic basis for Trypsin Inhibition

Kunitz type trypsin inhibitor (KTI) family is one of the most versatile families of protease inhibitors. Their exact natural physiological role in plants is still unclear. According to some reports, KTIs are involved in proper growth and development of plants. Some researchers suggested their role in recovery from physical damage, while others have shown their applications in plant’s defence from pests and pathogens. Some reports also suggest their efficacy against HIV proteases, cancer etc. Today, under Kunitz legume family in Pfam (PF00197), about 766 sequences under 124 plant species with 55 (9 native and 46 mutant) structures in PDB have been reported.