Cell permeable and irreversible proteasome inhibitor. Specifically inhibits 26S proteasome (MCP; multicatalytic proteinase complex). Blocks proteasome activity by targeting the catalytic β-subunit. Has no effect on serine or cysteine proteases. Induces apoptosis in human monoblast U937 cells. Also inhibits NF-κB activation by inhibiting IκB degradation. Inhibits the ubiquitin proteasome pathway in cell culture (IC50=10µM). Inhibits cathepsin A. Upregulates HSP70 and HSP22, suggesting an initial neuroprotective pathway.