Human Kallikrein 7 is a member of the tissue kallikrein family of extracellular serine proteases that is made up of 15 members. It is predominantly expressed in the skin. A major physiological function of Kallikrein 7 is to regulate the desquamation process (the shedding of corneocytes from the outer layer of the epidermis) through proteolysis of the intercellular adhesive structures between corneocytes. Dysregulation of Kallikrein 7 has been linked to several inflammatory skin diseases including atopic dermatitis, psoriasis, and Netherton syndrome. Studies have shown that Kallikrein 5 is a potential physiological activator for Kallikrein 7. The proform of Kallikrein 7 can be activated by thermolysin.
