Part of the ESX-5 specialized secretion system, which is responsible for the secretion of EsxN and a number of PE_PGRS and PPE proteins, including PPE41. Part of the ESX-5 / type VII secretion system (T7SS), which is composed of cytosolic and membrane components. The ESX-5 membrane complex is composed of EccB5, EccC5, EccD5 and EccE5. Mutants are defective in the secretion of EsxN, PPE41 and PE_PGRS proteins. Part of the eccB5-eccC5 operon, which is essential for in vitro growth. Was originally thought to be the product of two separate ORFs, eccCa5 and eccCb5.