Metalloproteinase. Inhibited by human TIMP1 and TIMP2 and the broad MMP inhibitors BB94 (Batimastat) and CT543. The conserved cysteine present in the cysteine-switch motif binds the catalytic zinc ion, thus inhibiting the enzyme. The dissociation of the cysteine from the zinc ion upon the activation-peptide release activates the enzyme. Belongs to the peptidase M10A family.