Schematic diagram of the apoptotic cascade and the sites of action of the general and specific caspase inhibitors used in this study. The figure illustrates some key features of the apoptotic cascade, highlighting sites of action of the caspase inhibitors used in this study (⊣). Abbreviations: TRAIL, tumor necrosis factor-related apoptosis-inducing ligand; TRAIL-R, TRAIL receptor; TNFα, tumor necrosis factor alpha; TNF-R1, tumor necrosis factor receptor 1; IL-1, interleukin-1; IL-1R, IL-1 receptor; FADD, Fas-associated death domain protein; TRADD, TNF receptor-associated death domain; CASP8, caspase-8; PARP, poly(ADP) ribose polymerase; EndoG, endonuclease G; CytC, cytochrome c; ICE, mammalian interleukin-1 beta-converting enzyme; IRAK, interleukin-1 receptor-associated kinase; FLICE, FADD-like ICE; FLIP, FLICE-inhibitory protein; AIF, apoptosis-inducing factor; DFF40, DNA fragmentation factor, 40 kDa; CAD, caspase-activated DNase; IAP, inhibitor of apoptosis; TRAF2, TNF receptor-associated factor 2; MyD88, myeloid differentiation primary response gene (88); tBID, truncated BID; BH3, interactive domain death agonist.