A role of inhibitor of apoptosis (IAP) proteins in increased lymphocyte apoptosis in aged humans

Lymphocytes from aged humans show increased death-receptor-mediated apoptosis, which is associated with an increased and early activation of caspases. Inhibitor of apoptosis (IAP) proteins inhibit apoptosis by inhibiting activation and activity of caspases. Therefore, we examine the expression of two of the IAPs, the cIAP-2 and XIAP in lymphocytes from young and aged subjects by Western blotting. Lymphocytes from aged expressed significantly less cIAP2 whereas no difference was observed in XIAP expression between young and aged subjects. These data may suggest that decreased cIAP2 may play a role in increased apoptosis in aged humans. Possible mechanisms for the regulation of IAPs in aging are discussed.