Transcription factor that binds to the promoter and the enhancer regions of target genes (By similarity). Regulates expression of genes involved in fat metabolism, including ech-1.1 and fat-5 (PubMed:26505800). Has a protective role in response to infection by the Gram-negative bacterium P.aeruginosa (PubMed:26876169, PubMed:28662060, PubMed:34804026). Required for the activation of infection response gene irg-1 following P.aeruginosa infection (PubMed:26876169). Required to prevent P.aeruginosa ToxA-mediated lethality (PubMed:26876169). May also function in concert with transcription factor zip-11 to mediate immune responses, independently of the pmk-1/p38 MAPK pathway (PubMed:34804026). May act together with the bZIP transcription factor, zip-2 (PubMed:26876169). Interacts with transcription factor zip-11. Expressed broadly in somatic tissues including the intestine. RNAi-mediated knockdown reduces overall fat content (PubMed:26505800). Decreases survival upon infection with P.aeruginosa (PubMed:26876169, PubMed:28662060). Reduces induction of expression of infection response gene, irg-1, in response to P.aeruginosa (PubMed:26876169). The decrease in survival upon P.aeruginosa infection on a zip-11 mutant background is abolished by RNAi-mediated knockdown of cebp-2. Belongs to the bZIP family. C/EBP subfamily.