Elafin is a secreted protein. Elafin consists of two domains: the transglutaminase substrate domain (cementoin moiety) and the elastase inhibitor domain. The transglutaminase substrate domain serves as an anchor to localize Elafin covalently to specific sites on extracellular matrix proteins. It is shown that Elafin can be used as a biomarker for graft versus host disease of the skin. Elafin is expressed in the skin during wound healing through activation of the epidermal growth factor receptor. Elafin may prevent elastase-mediated tissue proteolysis.
