The protein is a member of the papain-like protease family (MEROPS family C1), a lysosomal cysteine protease with endopeptidase activity.

It may play an important role in corneal physiology.

This gene is expressed in colorectal and breast carcinomas but not in normal colon, mammary gland, or peritumoral tissues, suggesting a possible role for this gene in tumor processes.

Cathepsin L2 may play a role in the pathogenesis of keratoconus.

This article on a gene on human chromosome 9 is a stub.