This gene encodes a member of the cysteine-aspartic acid protease (caspase) family. Sequential activation of caspases plays a central role in the execution-phase of cell apoptosis. Initiator caspases, which include caspase-8, activate effector caspases by cleaving inactive forms of effector caspases. Most upstream protease of the activation cascade of caspases responsible for the TNFRSF6/FAS mediated and TNFRSF1A induced cell death. Binding to the adapter molecule FADD recruits it to either receptor. Caspase-8, which is a heterodimer consisting of two subunits (p18 and p10), is widely expressed, but is detected at highest levels in peripheral blood leukocytes (PBLs), thymus, liver and spleen.
