Caspase-8 (CASP8)

Caspase-8 is a cysteine-aspartic acid protease (caspase) that plays a critical role in initiating apoptosis via the extrinsic pathway. It is activated at the Death-Inducing Signaling Complex (DISC) following stimulation of death receptors and subsequently activates downstream effector caspases to execute cell death. Caspase-8 also functions as a key regulator of necroptosis and pyroptosis, acting as a molecular switch between different forms of programmed cell death. Aberrant expression or mutation in CASP8 is linked to various diseases, including immunodeficiency syndromes, neurodegenerative diseases, and cancer. Its dual roles in promoting both cell survival and enabling programmed cell death make it a critical node for cellular fate decisions.

Caspase-8 inhibitors