NS2B3-b protease complex is a proteolytic core consisting of the last 40 amino acids of NS2B and the first 180 amino acids of NS3. Cleavage of the NS2B3 precursor activates the protease complex.[26] This protease complex allows the inhibition of the production of type I interferon by reducing the activity of IFN-beta promoter: studies have shown that NS2B3 protease complex is involved in inhibiting the phosphorylation of IRF3.[27] A recent study shows that the NS2B3 protease complex inhibits (by cleaving) protein MITA which allows the IRF3 activation.