Echinococcus multilocularis: Identification and functional characterization of cathepsin B-like peptidases from metacestode

► Two cathepsin B-like peptidases from Echinococcus multilocularis metacestodes. ► Both peptidases were expressed in germinal layer, brood capsule, and protoscolex. ► Active peptidases were successfully produced by yeast Pichia pastoris. ► Recombinant enzymes degraded host proteins such as IgG and collagen.