Probably involved in maturation of some viral proteins by processing them preferentially at Ala-Gly-|-Ser/Thr/Lys motifs. Does not seem to be responsible for the cleavage of major core proteins (By similarity). Binds 1 zinc ion. Localizes to the virion core. Undergoes proteolytic processing during the course of infection. May be cleaved into 46 kDa and 22 kDa products (Potential). Belongs to the peptidase M44 family.