蛋白酶在真菌的生存和生长过程中具有重要作用，同时也被认为是病原真菌重要的毒力因子之一。病原真菌的蛋白酶可能参与真菌在宿主的黏附、定植和播散以及逃避宿主的免疫应答过程。部分蛋白酶还被认为是变应原，可诱发哮喘和过敏性疾病。在不同的病原真菌中，蛋白酶作用也不同。研究蛋白酶的致病机制，可进一步了解真菌感染机制，为诊断及治疗真菌感染提供线索。

Proteases play an important role in fungal physiology and growth and in infection of pathogenic fungi as well. Fungal proteases may be involved in adhesion, colonization, spreading and escaping from the host immune response. Some proteases are considered as allergens, which can induce asthma and allergic diseases. Knowledge of the pathogenesis of the proteases will increase our understanding about the action of each fungal protease and will help to provide clues for the diagnosis and treatment of fungal infection.