CASP10s

CASP10s refers to a family of proteins that are part of the caspase superfamily. Caspases are a group of cysteine proteases that play critical roles in programmed cell death, also known as apoptosis. They are synthesized as inactive zymogens and activated by proteolytic cleavage. Once activated, caspases trigger a cascade of events that lead to the dismantling of the cell.

The CASP10s group, specifically CASP10 (also known as CASP-10 or NC-1), is a member of the inflammatory caspases. Unlike executioner caspases that directly carry out cell death, inflammatory caspases are primarily involved in the processing of pro-inflammatory cytokines, such as interleukin-1beta (IL-1β) and interleukin-18 (IL-18). This processing is essential for their maturation and release, thereby mediating inflammatory responses. CASP10s are activated by specific upstream signaling pathways, often in response to cellular stress or pathogen detection. Dysregulation of CASP10s activity has been implicated in various inflammatory diseases and certain types of cancer. Research into CASP10s continues to explore their precise roles in both normal physiological processes and disease pathogenesis.