CatC, by removing N-terminal dipropeptides, activates most tissue-degrading elastase-related serine proteases (elastase, cathepsin G, proteinase 3 and NSP4) [230], and therefore represents a potential therapeutic target to counteract protease-driven tissue degradation in inflammatory diseases and plausibly in COVID-19 patients [222]. This evidence concerns the gene PRTN3 and COVID-19.