May catalyze the degradation of intercellular cohesive structures in the cornified layer of the skin in the continuous shedding of cells from the skin surface. Specific for amino acid residues with aromatic side chains in the P1 position. Cleaves insulin A chain at 14-Tyr-|-Gln-15 and insulin B chain at 6-Leu-|-Cys-7, 16-Tyr-|-Leu-17, 25-Phe-|-Tyr-26 and 26-Tyr-|-Thr-27. Could play a role in the activation of precursors to inflammatory cytokines.
