Z-IETD-FMK, which inhibits the cleavage of caspase-8 and partially inhibits the cleavage of caspase-3 and PARP, prevents the execution of apoptosis in retinal cells exposed to different apoptotic stimuli. Z-IETD-FMK (50 μM) reduces ceramide-induced cardiomyocyte death and significantly inhibits the activation of caspase 3. Inhibition of caspase-8 by Z-IETD-FMK affects the generation of activated/memory T cells and T cell cytokine production, and decreases NF-kappaB responses to TCR:CD3 engagement in T cell cultures.
