The caspase family: molecular bases of interaction in apoptosis and pyroptosis

Both apoptotic and inflammatory caspases play a significant role in developing and maintaining an organism’s homeostasis. Recently, various studies have described various cross-interactions among various caspases. For instance, interleukin-1β activation is initiated by caspase-1 and caspase-8. Programmed cell death is launched not exclusively by internal and external factors to serve as a foundation for physiological development and realization of cellular and organism functions. The caspases involved in this process provide a complicated function related to cell homeostasis regulation. Caspases also participate in adaptation processes associated with changing environmental conditions, including microgravity. Phenotypical analysis of knockdown laboratory animals can reveal the physiological functions of caspases, giving preference to mice. For instance, this approach allows us to determine the role of caspases in the pathogenesis of different pathologic conditions, such as malignancies and autoimmune and infectious diseases. Caspases are considered by a wide spectrum of authors as therapeutic targets. In general, the topic of caspases and their functions is very broad. In this review, we only discuss some aspects of the impact of caspases on various types of cell death. © 2024, Human Stem Cell Institute. All rights reserved.