Binds to the pentamer sequences ATTGG and CCAAT with highest affinity in single-stranded DNA, and also to other sequences. Has greater affinity for ATTGG than CCAAT. Can act as transcriptional activator of cold shock genes by recognizing putative ATTGG-box elements present in promoter regions of genes induced under cold shock conditions. Homodimer. Interacts with RNA helicase CshB when cells are transcriptionally active. Shows transcription-dependent localization at subcellular sites surrounding the nucleoid. In response to low temperature. A double cshB-cspB disruption mutant cannot be made.