RIP kinases are a class of serine/threonine kinases that play crucial roles in cell death and inflammatory signaling pathways. RIPK1 and RIPK3 are well-studied family members that regulate apoptosis and necroptosis. In the TNF signaling pathway, RIPK1 acts as a key decision-maker between inflammation and necrotic cell death, while RIPK3 mediates membrane rupture through MLKL activation.