Pharmacological inhibition of Bax-induced cell death: Bax-inhibiting peptides and small compounds inhibiting Bax

IMPACT STATEMENT: Bax induces mitochondria-dependent programed cell death. While cytotoxic drugs activating Bax have been developed for cancer treatment, clinically effective therapeutics suppressing Bax-induced cell death rescuing essential cells have not been developed. This mini-review will summarize previously reported Bax inhibitors including peptides, small compounds, and antibodies. We will discuss potential applications and the future direction of these Bax inhibitors.