Aspartic protease, which is part of the necrosis cell death pathway (PubMed:12410314). Involved in neuronal cell degeneration (PubMed:12410314). Involved in heat stress response (PubMed:26795495). Highly expressed in intestine and to a lower extent in body wall muscles, hypodermis and neurons. RNAi-mediated knockdown prevents muscle degeneration caused by bacterium A.dhakensis-mediated infection (PubMed:28101079). RNAi-mediated knockdown prevents neuronal degeneration in a mec-4(u231), deg-1(u38) or gsa-1(Q227L) gain-of-function mutant background (PubMed:12410314). Belongs to the peptidase A1 family.