BH3 Mimetics

BH3 mimetics are a class of targeted cancer drugs designed to induce cancer cell death by mimicking natural molecules called BH3-only proteins. These proteins regulate apoptosis, or programmed cell death, by inhibiting proteins like BCL-2 that prevent cell death. In many cancers, BCL-2 is overactive, allowing cancer cells to survive longer than they should. BH3 mimetics bind to BCL-2 proteins, blocking their function, and enabling the cancer cells to undergo apoptosis. This approach helps selectively eliminate cancer cells while sparing normal ones, making BH3 mimetics a promising tool in cancer therapy.