Thiol protease that acts as a mediator of programmed cell death (, ). Initiates pyroptosis, a programmed lytic cell death pathway through cleavage of Gasdermin-D (GSDMD): cleavage releases the N-terminal gasdermin moiety (Gasdermin-D, N-terminal) that binds to membranes and forms pores, triggering pyroptosis . During non-canonical inflammasome activation, cuts CGAS and may play a role in the regulation of antiviral innate immune activation .
Expressed in barely detectable amounts in most tissues except brain, highest levels being found in lung, liver and skeletal muscle.