Caspase Inhibitors

Caspases, a family of intracellular cysteine proteases, are enzymes critical to several cellular functions including apoptosis and inflammation. Apoptosis is the process by which cells program their own death, a process critical for maintaining homeostasis within all living organisms. It has been shown that unregulated apoptosis is associated with several diseases including cancer and autoimmune disorders. A system with abnormal apoptosis function can experience an accumulation of excess cells, potentially leading to tumor formation and uncontrolled inflammation. Since caspases are responsible for correct apoptotic function, caspase inhibitors are being widely investigated as potential drug therapies for cancer and other diseases.