Acetylates the free alpha-amino group of cysteine S-conjugates to form mercapturic acids (PubMed:20392701). This is the final step in a major route for detoxification of a wide variety of reactive electrophiles which starts with their incorporation into glutathione S-conjugates. The glutathione S-conjugates are then further processed into cysteine S-conjugates and finally mercapturic acids which are water soluble and can be readily excreted in urine or bile. Alternatively, may have a lysine N-acetyltransferase activity catalyzing peptidyl-lysine N6-acetylation of various proteins. Thereby, may regulate apoptosis through the acetylation and the regulation of the expression of PROM1 (PubMed:24556617). May also regulate amyloid beta-peptide secretion through acetylation of BACE1 and the regulation of its expression in neurons (PubMed:19011241). acetyl-CoA + an S-substituted L-cysteine = an N-acetyl-L-cysteine-S-conjugate + CoA + H(+) A Vmax of 4.4 nmol/min/mg enzyme toward S-benzyl-L-cysteine was estimated using crude cell extracts. A Vmax of 3.1 nmol/min/mg enzyme toward acetyl-CoA was estimated using crude cell extracts. Sulfur metabolism; glutathione metabolism. Interacts with PROM1. Interacts with BACE1. Preferentially expressed in liver and kidney. Also detected in brain (at protein level). Up-regulated by ceramides. Belongs to the camello family.