Inhibitorofapoptosis(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 overex- pressed in cancer and contribute to tumor cell survival, chemo-resistance, disease progres- sion, and poor prognosis. Although best known for theirabilitytoregulate caspases, IAPs also influence ubiquitin (Ub)-dependent pathways that modulate innate immune signaling via activation of nuclear factor kB (NF-kB). 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 innate immune re- sponses have provided new insights into disease states and suggested novel intervention strategies. Here we review the functions assigned to those IAP proteins that act at the inter- section of cell death regulation and inflammatory signaling. © 2013 Cold Spring Harbor Laboratory Press; all rights reserved.