Signal pathways involved in TNF- and FasL-induced apoptosis
Caspases are a group of at least ten cystein aspartases, which are activated by caspases themselves forming a cascade involved in the execution of programmed cell death (apoptosis).
Procaspases are targeted to the death domains of activated TNF-RI and Fas by adapter molecules, such as FADD, TRADD, RIP and RAIDD.
Caspase-1 was formerly known as IL-1b-converting enzyme (ICE); one of its substrates is pro-IL-1b.
Caspase-4 has also been called pro-ICE.
