CWBP52 is a serine-type protease that could be involved in proteoglycan peptide bridges. Inhibited by PMSF. Released into the medium. In stationary phase. Proteolytically cleaved to yield CWBP23 and CWBP52. Cells lacking this gene have no discernible phenotype with respect to sporulation, motility or growth (PubMed:9004506). Significantly increased amounts of BglS, Epr, Vpr, YclQ and YwsB; decreased amounts of AbnA, PorE, Csn, YncM, Yxal and YweA are detected in the extracellular proteome (PubMed:11987133). Belongs to the peptidase S8 family. The CWBP52 polypeptide was originally called CWBP55 based on its apparent molecular weight.