Baculoviral IAP repeat-containing protein 7 (Livin) (BIRC7)

Baculoviral IAP repeat-containing protein 7, commonly known as Livin, is a member of the inhibitor of apoptosis protein (IAP) family that plays a critical role in regulating programmed cell death. It is highly expressed in various malignant tumors, including melanoma and lung cancer, while remaining nearly undetectable in most normal adult tissues, making it an ideal tumor-associated antigen for targeted therapy. Livin exerts its anti-apoptotic effects by directly inhibiting caspases and utilizing its E3 ubiquitin ligase activity to degrade pro-apoptotic factors. Due to its restricted expression pattern and vital role in cancer cell survival, Livin is a prominent target for small molecule inhibitors, antisense oligonucleotides, and cancer vaccines designed to overcome apoptosis resistance and stimulate anti-tumor immunity.

Other names

LivinML-IAPKIAPMelanoma inhibitor of apoptosis proteinKidney inhibitor of apoptosis proteinBIRC7

Livin functions primarily by binding to and inhibiting the activity of initiator and effector caspases, such as caspase-3, -7, and -9, through its Baculoviral IAP Repeat (BIR) domain. It also possesses a RING finger domain that confers E3 ubiquitin ligase activity, facilitating the degradation of pro-apoptotic proteins. In the context of immunotherapy, Livin-derived peptides act as tumor-associated antigens that are presented by MHC molecules to stimulate cytotoxic T-lymphocyte (CTL) responses against tumor cells expressing the protein.