Caspase-1 (ICE) Detection
Caspase-1, originally identified as Interleukin -1β Converting Enzyme or ICE (1, 2), plays a role in processing a wide variety of proteins, most notably several cytokines (3-5) and enzymes within the glycolytic pathway (6). The creation of the inflammasome during host responses to pathogens leads to the activation of caspase-1 (7, 8) and the class of cell death known as pyroptosis. Inflammation-related disease models have illustrated a role for caspase-1 in asthma, rheumatoid arthritis, multiple sclerosis and other disorders (7, 8).
A popular method of detecting caspase-1 activation in living cell samples is the FLICA assay from ImmunoChemistry Technologies. These whole cell assays utilize fluorescent-labeled caspase-1 inhibitor probes to form covalent bonds with activated caspase-1 enzymes within living, intact cells. I have collected a short list of technical recommendations that we have shared over the years with scientists using this assay in their research. Please contact us with any questions!
