IAPs (inhibitor of apoptosis proteins)

Inhibitor of apoptosis proteins (IAPs) are a family of molecules that help cells avoid programmed cell death, or apoptosis. They achieve this by blocking the activity of specific enzymes called caspases, which are responsible for initiating and executing the cell death process. IAPs play vital roles in cell survival, immune responses, and development. However, in some cases, especially in cancer, IAPs are overactive, allowing abnormal cells to evades death and proliferate uncontrollably. Understanding IAPs offers potential avenues for therapeutic intervention in diseases where cell death regulation is disrupted.