Fibroblast Activation Protein alpha/FAP: Proteins and Enzymes

FAP (also known as seprase) is a transmembrane serine protease, and a soluble and enzymatically active form of FAP known as antiplasmin-cleaving enzyme (APCE) circulates in human plasma. FAP is expressed on reactive stromal fibroblasts in tumor tissue and wound healing and on synoviocytes in rheumatoid arthritis. It exhibits dipeptidyl peptidase activity with substrate specificity similar to DPPIV/CD26, which is specific for N-terminal Xaa-Pro sequences. FAP is also an endopeptidase that can degrade Gelatin, Collagens I and IV, Fibronectin, and Laminin as well as several peptide hormones (e.g. Neuropeptide Y, Brain Natriuretic Peptide, Substance P, Peptide YY, and Incretins). The enzymatic activity is dependent on FAP association with DPPIV on the cell surface. The matrix-dedgrading activity of FAP contributes to tumor cell migration and invasion. In addition, FAP can enhance tumor cell growth by limiting the development of anti-tumor immunity.