Cathepsin B is an enzymatic protein belonging to the peptidase (or protease) families. The protein encoded by this gene is a lysosomal cysteine protease composed of a dimer of disulfide-linked heavy and light chains, both produced from a single protein precursor. It is a member of the peptidase C1 family. At least five transcript variants encoding the same protein have been found for this gene. Cystatin-B / CSTB is an intracellular thiol proteinase inhibitor. Tightly binding reversible inhibitor of cathepsins L, H and B. Cystatin-B / CSTB is able to form a dimer stabilized by noncovalent forces, inhibiting papain and cathepsins l, h and b. Cystatin-B / CSTB is also thought to play a role in protecting against the proteases leaking from lysosomes.
