What Does BIR Stand For?

BIR stands for Baculovirus IAP Repeat

BIR, or Baculovirus IAP Repeat, refers to a structural motif found in Inhibitor of Apoptosis Proteins (IAPs) that plays a critical role in the regulation of apoptosis and cell survival. Characterized by a series of repeating units, the BIR domain is essential for binding to activated caspases, thereby inhibiting their activity and preventing programmed cell death. This motif is commonly studied in the context of viral and cellular biology, as it provides insights into mechanisms of immune evasion and potential therapeutic targets for cancer and other diseases.