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Identification of Intracellular Signaling Events Induced in Viable Cells by Interaction with Neighboring Cells Undergoing Apoptotic Cell Death
09:18

Identification of Intracellular Signaling Events Induced in Viable Cells by Interaction with Neighboring Cells Undergoing Apoptotic Cell Death

Published on: December 27, 2016

CARD games in apoptosis and immunity

Lisa Bouchier-Hayes1, Seamus J Martin

  • 1Molecular Cell Biology Laboratory, Department of Genetics, The Smurfit Institute, Trinity College, Dublin 2, Ireland.

EMBO Reports
|July 9, 2002
PubMed

Insights

Caspase recruitment domain (CARD) proteins have diverse roles beyond apoptosis. Many CARD proteins are crucial in NF-kappaB immune signaling pathways, highlighting their importance in host defense.

Area of Science:

  • Molecular Biology
  • Immunology
  • Cell Biology

Background:

  • Proteins with caspase recruitment domains (CARD) are involved in protein complex assembly.
  • CARD-CARD interactions are known to promote caspase activation during apoptosis.
  • The expanding family of CARD proteins reveals functions beyond apoptosis.

Purpose of the Study:

  • To propose a simplified classification of CARD proteins.
  • To discuss the diverse roles of CARD proteins in host defense.
  • To differentiate CARD protein functions in apoptosis versus immune signaling.

Main Methods:

  • Bioinformatic analysis of CARD protein domain structures.
  • Literature review of CARD protein functions in apoptosis and immunity.
  • Comparative analysis of CARD protein involvement in signaling pathways.

Main Results:

  • The majority of identified CARD proteins do not mediate caspase activation.
  • Many CARD proteins are integral components of NF-kappaB signaling pathways.
  • CARD proteins play significant roles in both innate and adaptive immune responses.

Conclusions:

  • A simplified classification based on domain structure is proposed for CARD proteins.
  • CARD proteins exhibit divergent roles, extending beyond apoptosis to immune responses.
  • Understanding CARD protein functions is critical for host defense mechanisms.

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