Abundant protease in the cytosolic granules of cytotoxic T-cells and NK-cells which activates caspase-independent pyroptosis when delivered into the target cell through the immunological synapse (PubMed: 3262682, PubMed: 3263427, PubMed: 1985927). It cleaves after Asp (PubMed: 8258716, PubMed: 1985927). Once delivered into the target cell, acts by catalyzing cleavage of gasdermin-E (GSDME), releasing the pore-forming moiety of GSDME, thereby triggering pyroptosis and target cell death (PubMed: 32188940, PubMed: 31953257). Seems to be linked to an activation cascade of caspases (aspartate-specific cysteine proteases) responsible for apoptosis execution. Cleaves caspase-3, -7, -9 and 10 to give rise to active enzymes mediating apoptosis (PubMed: 9852092).
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