The ileum, the final part of the small intestine, primarily relies on brush border enzymes for protein digestion. These enzymes are embedded in the microvilli of the intestinal epithelial cells.

While the ileum does receive some partially digested proteins from the jejunum, its main role is to complete the breakdown of peptides into individual amino acids, which are then absorbed into the bloodstream.

Here are some key brush border enzymes found in the ileum responsible for protein digestion:

* Aminopeptidases: These enzymes remove amino acids from the N-terminal end of peptides.

* Dipeptidases: These enzymes break down dipeptides (two amino acids linked together) into individual amino acids.

* Tripeptidases: These enzymes break down tripeptides (three amino acids linked together) into dipeptides and amino acids.

Therefore, while the ileum doesn't produce major proteases like pepsin or trypsin, it possesses a variety of peptidases that ensure the final breakdown of peptides into absorbable amino acids.