Definition:

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. It cleaves after Asp. 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. Seems to be linked to an activation cascade of caspases (aspartate-specific cysteine proteases) responsible for apoptosis execution. Cleaves caspase-3, -9 and -10 (CASP3, CASP9 and CASP10, respectively) to give rise to active enzymes mediating apoptosis. Cleaves and activates CASP7 in response to bacterial infection, promoting plasma membrane repair (By similarity).