Regulation of Caspase-8 Activity at the Crossroads of Pro-Inflammation and Anti-Inflammation

Caspase-8 has been classified as an apoptotic caspase, and its initial definition was an initiator of extrinsic cell death. During the past decade, the concept of caspase-8 functioning has been changed by findings of its additional roles in diverse biological processes. Although caspase-8 was not originally thought to be involved in the inflammation process, many recent works have determined that caspase-8 plays an important role in the regulatory functions of inflammatory processes. In this review, we describe the recent advances in knowledge regarding the manner in which caspase-8 modulates the inflammatory responses concerning inflammasome activation, cell death, and cytokine induction.

Automated summary

Initially classified as an apoptotic caspase, caspase-8 has now been found to play significant roles in regulating inflammatory processes. Recent research has shown its involvement in modulating inflammatory responses, inflammasome activation, cell death, and cytokine induction. This review summarizes the latest advances in understanding how caspase-8 impacts inflammatory reactions.