Mutations in the Reactive Center Loop of $\alpha_1$-Antitrypsin That Retard the Loop Insertion

$\alpha$$_1$- Antitrypsin is a key plasma serine protease inhibitor and its prime physiological role is an inhibitor of leukocyte elastase. The reactive center loop of $\alpha$$_1$-antitrypsin is characterized by the unusual mobility and the ability of insertion into the central $\beta$ sheet A. In particular the rate of loop insertion is considered to be critical for the formation of a stable complex between a serpin and its target protease.(omitted)