Molecular Perspective of Proteases in Modeling of Cell Death Signaling

Proteases are hallmarks of various physiological processes and cellular signaling net-works that maintain homeostasis and cellular fate. This regulation is particularly medi-ated by carboxypeptidases, cysteine proteases, and metalloproteases, which function by cleaving peptide bonds, thereby modulating the activity of proteins and influencing their functional outcomes. Proteases play a regulatory role in various cellular processes, in-cluding cell growth, differentiation, cell death, immunity, and inflammation. Protease signaling influences the terminal outcomes of several forms of cell death, including apop-tosis, necroptosis, pyroptosis, and autophagy. Similarly, during inflammatory stimula-tion, proteases orchestrate a cascade of pathways that optimize the immune response to pathogens. Proteases are significant contributors to the development of various human diseases, including cancer, neurological disorders, and inflammatory disorders. The acti-vation of specific proteases determines the outcomes of different forms of cell death high-lighted in this review. Proteases are therefore critical targets for exploring future research on modulating their activity in various diseases and therapeutic targets. This review high-lights the important functions of protease family members in managing different aspects related to cellular balance and disease conditions.