Substrate specificity of Staphylococcus aureus cysteine proteases - Staphopains A, B and C

► Staphylococcus aureus secretes homologous cysteine proteinases staphopains A, B and C. ► Their divergent roles in pathogenesis of S. aureus may be linked to their substrate specificity. ► We use a combination of diverse approaches to profile these related proteases. ► In summary, only P2 residue distinguish the substrate specificity of the staphopains. ► Substrate preferences of staphopains B and C differ from those of staphopain A.