Actinidain (EC 3.4.22.14actinidinActinidia anionic proteaseproteinase A2 of Actinidia chinensis) is a type of cysteine protease enzyme found in fruits including kiwifruit (genus Actinidia), pineapplemangobanana and papaya. This enzyme is part of the papain-like peptidase C1 family.[1][2][3][4]

It is the primary allergen found in kiwifruit.[5] When ingested, actinidain works by cleaving tight junction proteins on the apical portions of intestinal epithelial cells.[1]

and commercially useful as a meat tenderizer.[6]

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  1. ^ Grozdanovic, Milica M.; Čavić, Milena; Nešić, Andrijana; Andjelković, Uroš; Akbari, Peyman; Smit, Joost J.; Gavrović-Jankulović, Marija (2016-03-01). "Kiwifruit cysteine protease actinidin compromises the intestinal barrier by disrupting tight junctions". Biochimica et Biophysica Acta (BBA) - General Subjects. 1860 (3): 516–526. doi:10.1016/j.bbagen.2015.12.005.