An aspartic protease and the use of the aspartic protease in the hydrolysis of gluten. This protease can hydrolyze gluten and the gluten-derived immunogenic peptides at pH 2.0?4.0. Also provided are methods for the production of the aspartic protease, including recombinant plasmids, transformants, and a purification method thereof; methods of using the aspartic protease to prepare drugs and oral enzyme supplements for treatment of diseases or discomforts related to gluten ingestion, such as celiac disease; and a method of using the asparic protease in food-processing process to remove or reduce gluten in foods or beverages.