Elafin
Also known as: skin-derived antileukoprotease, SKALP, elafin peptide
Elafin, also called skin-derived antileukoprotease or SKALP, is a human protease inhibitor protein whose active region spans 57 amino acids. It is studied in skin and barrier tissue research for its ability to block elastase enzymes and for reported antimicrobial activity.
Quick Reference
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Overview
Mammalian protein found in Homo sapiens
Elafin, also known as peptidase inhibitor 3 or skin-derived antileukoprotease (SKALP), is a protein that in humans is encoded by the PI3 gene.
Mechanism of Action
Elafin works chiefly by inhibiting elastase enzymes, which may help protect tissue proteins from elastase mediated breakdown. Laboratory studies have also shown it can inhibit a specific nicotinic acetylcholine receptor subtype and weakly affect the Kv11.1 potassium channel and the TRPV1 channel.
Research History
Elafin was identified in skin as a locally produced inhibitor that targets neutrophil and pancreatic elastase. Research since then has examined how it may limit elastase driven tissue breakdown, and more recent studies have reported additional interactions with certain ion channels and a nicotinic acetylcholine receptor.
What Researchers Are Saying
Community Reports - Not Medical Advice
The following is aggregated from public forums, Reddit, and research communities. These are anecdotal reports from researchers only - not verified clinical data and not a recommendation of any kind.
Elafin (also known as skin-derived antileukoprotease, SKALP) is studied within the immune modulation research community. Serine protease inhibitor studied for anti-inflammatory and antimicrobial activity in barrier tissues.
Last updated October 28, 2026
Research status: limited. Elafin appears across immune modulation research forums and academic literature. Researchers note this compound falls in the immune category.
Last updated October 28, 2026
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