Synthesis of α-fluorocinnamate derivatives as novel cathepsin S inhibitors with in vitro antiproliferative activity against pancreatic cancer cells.

Cathepsins, key members of the papain-like family of cysteine proteases, are crucial for proteolysis processes within human cells, including osteolysis, immunomodulation and apoptosis. Recent research has highlighted the significant role of cathepsins, particularly the L, S, K, and B subtypes, in pancreatic cancer. This has driven the development of novel cathepsin inhibitors as potential treatments to inhibit tumor progression, migration and invasion.