KLK8

Kallikrein‑related peptidase 8, also known as Neuropsin, Ovasin, TADG‑14, is a secreted serine protease predominantly expressed in epidermal skin and ovarian tissues. It regulates epidermal desquamation and keratinocyte turnover to preserve the physiological function of skin barrier.
Aberrant KLK8 expression is identified in atopic dermatitis and multiple malignancies including ovarian cancer, lung cancer and breast cancer, which provides prognostic reference for tissue and serum testing. Drug development for KLK8 stays within pre‑clinical scope. Protease inhibitors are evaluated only in cellular and animal models. No candidates proceed to human clinical trials and no marketed targeted therapeutics exist.