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Related Concept Videos

Apoptosis01:30

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.
Phagocytosis of Apoptotic Cells01:17

Phagocytosis of Apoptotic Cells

Cells undergoing apoptosis form apoptotic bodies that must be removed immediately to prevent inflammation, autoimmune diseases, and necrosis. Phagocytosis is carried out by professional phagocytes such as macrophages or  immature dendritic cells. Non-professional phagocytes such as  epithelial cells and fibroblasts also take part in this process; however, they are not as effective as professional phagocytes. 
Normal cells contain receptors that prevent them from being recognized by phagocytes.
Overview of Cell Death01:30

Overview of Cell Death

Cell death is an essential process where the body gets rid of old or damaged cells. Cell proliferation and death need to be balanced, as an imbalance between the two may lead to cancer or autoimmune diseases.
Cell death was observed in the early 19th century, but there was no experimental evidence to prove it. In 1842, Carl Vogt first discovered cell death in a metamorphic toad; however, it was not termed ‘cell death.’ Scientists discovered different cell death pathways only in the 20th century...
The Intrinsic Apoptotic Pathway01:31

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...
Cellular Injury V: Apoptosis and Autophagy01:22

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...
The Extrinsic Apoptotic Pathway01:17

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...

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Granulocyte-dependent Autoantibody-induced Skin Blistering
12:23

Granulocyte-dependent Autoantibody-induced Skin Blistering

Published on: October 12, 2012

Apoptosis in pemphigus.

Enno Schmidt1, Jens Waschke

  • 1Department of Dermatology, University of Lübeck, Lübeck, Germany. enno.schmidt@uk-sh.de

Autoimmunity Reviews
|February 5, 2009
PubMed
Summary
This summary is machine-generated.

Pemphigus, an autoimmune skin disease, involves autoantibodies causing blistering. While apoptosis may contribute to acantholysis, it is not strictly required for blister formation in pemphigus.

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Detection and Isolation of Apoptotic Bodies to High Purity
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Published on: August 12, 2018

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Last Updated: Jun 25, 2026

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Detection and Isolation of Apoptotic Bodies to High Purity
12:17

Detection and Isolation of Apoptotic Bodies to High Purity

Published on: August 12, 2018

Area of Science:

  • Dermatology
  • Immunology
  • Cell Biology

Background:

  • Pemphigus is a severe autoimmune blistering skin disease.
  • Key forms, pemphigus vulgaris and pemphigus foliaceus, are driven by autoantibodies targeting desmoglein 1 and desmoglein 3.
  • The hallmark is acantholysis, the loss of keratinocyte adhesion.

Purpose of the Study:

  • To review the role of apoptosis in pemphigus pathogenesis.
  • To clarify whether apoptosis is essential for acantholysis in pemphigus.

Main Methods:

  • Analysis of apoptosis markers in lesional and perilesional skin of pemphigus patients.
  • Experimental induction of apoptotic signaling using pemphigus IgG and serum.
  • Assessment of acantholysis using caspase inhibitors.

Main Results:

  • Apoptosis signs are present in lesional skin but may be absent in early perilesional skin.
  • Pemphigus IgG and serum can induce apoptotic signaling.
  • Caspase inhibitors block acantholysis, indicating a contribution of apoptotic pathways.
  • Acantholysis can occur independently of apoptosis.

Conclusions:

  • Apoptosis is not strictly required for acantholysis and skin blistering in pemphigus.
  • While apoptotic signaling pathways may participate, they are not essential for the cellular response leading to pemphigus blistering.