tyrosine-valine-alanine-aspartic acid

Tyrosine-valine-alanine-aspartic acid (YVAD) is a tetrapeptide that acts as a selective inhibitor of Caspase-1, also known as interleukin-1 beta converting enzyme (ICE). It is widely utilized in biomedical research to investigate the role of the NLRC4 inflammasome in inflammatory and fibrotic conditions. In the context of Crohn's disease, YVAD has demonstrated the ability to attenuate intestinal fibrosis in preclinical models by blocking Caspase-1-dependent activation of profibrotic pathways, including actin cytoskeleton remodeling and extracellular matrix deposition in human intestinal myofibroblasts. While primarily used as a research tool, its efficacy in experimental colitis models suggests potential as a therapeutic lead for stricturing Crohn's disease.

Other names

Tyr-Val-Ala-AspY-V-A-D