CPP32 INHIBITORS FOR REGULATING APOPTOSIS

摘要

A composition and method for inhibiting apoptosis, or decreasing the rate or extent of apoptosis, in target cells. The method comprises the step of contacting the target cells with an apoptosis-regulating amount of at least one cysteine or serine protease inhibitor that: a) inhibits the conversion of the pro-enzyme form of CPP32 to its enzymatically-active form; b) blocks the proteolytic action of activated CPP32 against its cellular substrates; or c) both. The method is particularly applicable to ameliorating the side effects of, or enhancing the selectivity of, photodynamic therapy.