Z-Asp-CH2-DCB is a peptide originally synthesized for its ability to inactivate the interleukin-1β-converting enzyme, which is the homolog of the C. elegans positive regulator of apoptosis CED-3. Z-Asp-CH2-DCB has been shown to block apoptosis by nonselectively inhibiting caspase activity. At 1-100 μM, it can dose-dependently block the production of IL-1β, TNF-α, IL-6, and IFN-γ by human peripheral blood mononuclear cells as well as inhibit T cell proliferation.
