Identification of a 14Â kDa endocan fragment generated by cathepsin G, a novel circulating biomarker in patients with sepsis

► Endocan is cleaved in a 14 kDa fragment, named p14, specifically by cathepsin G. ► The 14 kDa endocan fragment is circulating in plasma from patients with sepsis. ► An immunoassay specific for the p14 endocan fragment was developed. ► The p14 plasma levels are increased in patients with severe sepsis. ► p14 represents a novel interesting biomarker of sepsis.