Inhibitor of Apoptosis (IAP) Proteins-Modulators of Cell Death and Inflammation

Abstract

Misregulated innate immune signaling and cell death form the basis of much human disease pathogenesis. Inhibitor of apoptosis (IAP) protein family members are frequently overexpressed in cancer and contribute to tumor cell survival, chemo-resistance, disease progression, and poor prognosis. Although best known for their ability to regulate caspases, IAPs also influence ubiquitin (Ub)-dependent pathways that modulate innate immune signaling via activation of nuclear factor κB (NF-κB). Recent research into IAP biology has unearthed unexpected roles for this group of proteins. In addition, the advances in our understanding of the molecular mechanisms that IAPs use to regulate cell death and inn..