ILP-2 (for IAP-like protein-2) is a novel member of in the IAP (Inhibitor of Apoptosis) protein family. ILP-2 has high homology to ILP-1, but is encoded by a distinct gene that is solely expressed in testis of tested normal human tissues. ILP-2, unlike ILP-1, has no inhibitory effect on Fas and TNF induced apoptosis, but potently inhibit apoptosis induced by overexpression of Bax or by coexpression of caspase-9 with Apaf-1. ILP-2 interacts with the processed caspase-9.
