Heat shock proteins

Heat shock proteins (HSPs) are a family of highly conserved molecular chaperones, named for their induction by heat but active under many forms of stress. They assist protein folding, prevent aggregation, attempt to refold denatured proteins when possible, and route irreparable ones for degradation. HSPs such as HSP70 and HSP90 are central to proteostasis, and HSP induction by exercise and heat exposure (including sauna) is studied as one contributing mechanism among many for their health effects.