Reversible Inhibition of Cysteine Proteases Using S-Methyl Methanethiosulfonate.

Cysteine proteases find applications in diverse fields, but their susceptibility to autolysis poses storage challenges. Unlike irreversible inhibitors, S-methyl methanethiosulfonate (MMTS) enables enzyme reactivation, offering an ideal solution for preventing autolysis during storage and allowing subsequent protein activation when required. Here, we describe effective methods for inhibiting and reactivating papain, providing valuable insights for enhancing the storage and usability of cysteine proteases in various scientific, medical, and industrial applications.