Caspase inhibitors are compounds that can bind to and inhibit caspase activity. In toxicology, these inhibitors can be used to study the role of apoptosis in toxicity and to protect cells from unwanted cell death. For instance, in cases of acute liver injury where apoptosis is excessive, caspase inhibitors could potentially mitigate tissue damage. However, their use must be carefully controlled as inhibiting apoptosis can lead to the survival of damaged or potentially cancerous cells.
