What are the therapeutic implications of targeting IAPs?
Given their role in inhibiting apoptosis, IAPs are considered potential targets for therapeutic intervention in diseases characterized by excessive cell survival, such as cancer. Inhibitors of IAPs, known as Smac mimetics, have been developed to promote apoptosis in cancer cells by antagonizing the function of IAPs. These therapeutic agents aim to restore the normal apoptotic processes, thereby reducing tumor growth and enhancing the efficacy of other cancer treatments.
