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Apoptosis

Apoptosis

Apoptosis is a combination of two Greek words, 'apo' and 'ptosis,' meaning separation and falling off, respectively. Hippocrates used this word to describe gangrene, which was caused due to bandaging of fractured bones. Apoptosis was distinguished from necrosis in 1970 when John Kerr reported observations of morphological changes occurring during apoptosis. During one experiment, he observed that the disruption of blood supply to the liver tissue resulted in a size reduction of the tissue.

The Intrinsic Apoptotic Pathway

The Intrinsic Apoptotic Pathway

Internal cellular stress, such as cellular injury or hypoxia, triggers intrinsic apoptosis. The B-cell lymphoma 2 (Bcl-2) family of proteins are the primary regulators of the intrinsic apoptotic pathway. For example, during DNA damage, checkpoint proteins, such as Ataxia Telangiectasia Mutated (ATM protein) and Checkpoints Factor-2 (Chk2) proteins, are activated. These proteins phosphorylate p53 which further activates pro-apoptotic proteins, such as Bax, Bak, PUMA, and Noxa, and inhibits...

The Extrinsic Apoptotic Pathway

The Extrinsic Apoptotic Pathway

The extrinsic apoptotic pathway is initiated when extracellular death-inducing signals, such as specific cytokines, activate the death receptors expressed on the cell surface. The immune cells involved in this pathway are natural killer cells (NK cells) and cytotoxic T-lymphocytes. NK cells are critical in innate immune response, while cytotoxic T-lymphocytes are associated with adaptive immune response. These cells recognize specific receptors expressed on the altered cells and activate...

Autoimmune Disorders

Autoimmune Disorders

Autoimmune diseases are a group of disorders in which the body's immune system mistakenly attacks its own cells, tissues, and organs. This results from an overactive immune response against substances and tissues normally present in the body. Let's delve into the concept and mechanism of autoimmune diseases from an immune system point of view, explore different causes and examples of such diseases, and discuss potential solutions.
Concept and Mechanism of Autoimmune Diseases
The immune system...

Cellular Injury V: Apoptosis and Autophagy

Cellular Injury V: Apoptosis and Autophagy

Cells respond to damage and stress through highly coordinated processes that decide whether they survive or undergo controlled self-destruction. Two major pathways involved in this regulation are apoptosis, a type of programmed cell death, and autophagy, a survival mechanism that helps cells adapt to adverse conditions.ApoptosisApoptosis removes aged or injured cells to maintain tissue balance. During this process, the cell shrinks, chromatin condenses and fragments, and membrane-bound...

Regulation of Hematopoietic Stem Cells

Regulation of Hematopoietic Stem Cells

All blood and immune cells are produced from the multipotent hematopoietic stem cells (HSCs) by the process of hematopoiesis. However, they all have a limited life span. In addition, many are depleted in immune surveillance or combatting an injury or infection. This makes blood one of the most regenerative tissues. Hematopoiesis helps replenish these blood and immune cells, restoring the body's normal functioning. However, overproduction of blood and immune cells can make them cancerous or...

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Related Experiment Video

Updated: Jul 8, 2026

Development of Stem Cell-derived Antigen-specific Regulatory T Cells Against Autoimmunity

Development of Stem Cell-derived Antigen-specific Regulatory T Cells Against Autoimmunity

Published on: November 8, 2016

Control of apoptosis in autoimmunity.

E Maniati¹, P Potter, N J Rogers

¹Molecular Genetics and Rheumatology Section, Division of Medicine, Hammersmith Campus, Imperial College London, UK.

The Journal of Pathology

|December 29, 2007

Summary

Programmed cell death (apoptosis) and its clearance are vital for immune health. Impaired apoptosis and cell disposal are linked to autoimmune diseases, suggesting therapeutic targets.

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Experimental Analysis of Apoptotic Thymocyte Engulfment by Macrophages

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Published on: May 24, 2019

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Development of Stem Cell-derived Antigen-specific Regulatory T Cells Against Autoimmunity

Development of Stem Cell-derived Antigen-specific Regulatory T Cells Against Autoimmunity

Published on: November 8, 2016

Experimental Analysis of Apoptotic Thymocyte Engulfment by Macrophages

Experimental Analysis of Apoptotic Thymocyte Engulfment by Macrophages

Published on: May 24, 2019

Area of Science:

Immunology
Cell Biology
Autoimmunity

Background:

Apoptosis and apoptotic cell clearance are essential for immune system homeostasis.
These processes maintain self-tolerance and regulate lymphocyte populations.
Dysregulation is linked to autoimmune disease development and susceptibility.

Purpose of the Study:

To review the molecular mechanisms of programmed cell death and apoptotic cell uptake.
To summarize research linking impaired apoptosis to autoimmunity.
To identify potential therapeutic targets for autoimmune conditions.

Main Methods:

Literature review of programmed cell death and apoptotic cell clearance.
Analysis of studies investigating the role of apoptosis in autoimmune diseases.
Synthesis of molecular events underlying apoptosis and its link to autoimmunity.

Main Results:

Aberrant apoptosis and inefficient clearance of apoptotic cells are implicated in autoimmunity.
Molecular pathways of programmed cell death and cell uptake are highlighted.
Recent studies confirm the connection between impaired apoptosis and autoimmune disease.

Conclusions:

Understanding the molecular basis of dysregulated apoptosis is key for therapeutic intervention.
Targeting pathways involved in apoptosis and clearance may offer new treatments for autoimmune diseases.
This review provides insights into the critical role of apoptosis in preventing and potentially treating autoimmunity.