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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...

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...

Phagocytosis of Apoptotic Cells

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.

Caspases

Caspases

Caspase, a family of cysteine proteases, serve as effectors in apoptosis. The ced3 gene in C.elegans was first identified to be involved in apoptosis. This gene encodes the ced-3 caspase that is similar to the interleukin-1-beta converting enzyme or ICE in mammals. In addition to apoptosis, caspases also function in the inflammatory response. Inflammatory caspases are essential in activating pro-inflammatory cytokines that recruit immune cells and block the replication of pathogens inside cells.

Acute Inflammation I: Inflammatory Response

Acute Inflammation I: Inflammatory Response

Acute inflammation is a rapid, short-lived physiological response to tissue injury or infection, designed to eliminate harmful agents and initiate repair. This tightly regulated process typically lasts from minutes to several days and is triggered by factors such as microbial invasion, physical trauma, or chemical injury.Recognition and Mediator ReleaseThe inflammatory response begins when resident immune cells—such as mast cells, macrophages, and dendritic cells—detect damage-associated...

Complement System

Complement System

The complement system is a group of approximately 20 plasma proteins that strengthen the body's defenses against infections through opsonization, inflammation, and cell lysis. Opsonization involves coating pathogens with complement proteins, making them more recognizable and facilitating phagocyte engulfment. Certain complement proteins induce inflammation that attracts immune cells to the site of infection. Cell lysis involves the destruction of pathogens through the formation of a membrane...

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Related Experiment Video

Updated: May 8, 2026

Detection of Inflammasome Activation and Pyroptotic Cell Death in Murine Bone Marrow-derived Macrophages

Detection of Inflammasome Activation and Pyroptotic Cell Death in Murine Bone Marrow-derived Macrophages

Published on: May 21, 2018

[The inflammasome].

Chikara Okumura, Kaho Haraikawa, Satomi Suehiro

Nihon Rinsho. Japanese Journal of Clinical Medicine

|August 24, 2013

Summary

The inflammasome is crucial for initiating inflammation by activating interleukin-1beta. Dysregulation of this complex is increasingly linked to various diseases beyond initial inflammatory responses.

Area of Science:

Molecular Biology
Immunology
Cell Biology

Context:

Inflammation is a vital protective mechanism against tissue injury.
Interleukin-1beta (IL-1beta) is a key inflammatory cytokine.
The inflammasome complex is essential for IL-1beta activation.

Purpose:

To review the function of the inflammasome.
To discuss inflammasome-related diseases.
To explore the expanding role of inflammasomes beyond inflammation.

Summary:

The inflammasome is a multi-protein complex vital for processing and activating interleukin-1beta (IL-1beta), a critical cytokine in inflammatory responses.
Evidence indicates the inflammasome plays a significant role in the pathogenesis of numerous diseases.

More Related Videos

Visualization of Inflammatory Caspases Induced Proximity in Human Monocyte-Derived Macrophages

Visualization of Inflammatory Caspases Induced Proximity in Human Monocyte-Derived Macrophages

Published on: April 6, 2022

Activation and Measurement of NLRP3 Inflammasome Activity Using IL-1β in Human Monocyte-derived Dendritic Cells

Activation and Measurement of NLRP3 Inflammasome Activity Using IL-1β in Human Monocyte-derived Dendritic Cells

Published on: May 22, 2014

Related Experiment Videos

Last Updated: May 8, 2026

Detection of Inflammasome Activation and Pyroptotic Cell Death in Murine Bone Marrow-derived Macrophages

Detection of Inflammasome Activation and Pyroptotic Cell Death in Murine Bone Marrow-derived Macrophages

Published on: May 21, 2018

Visualization of Inflammatory Caspases Induced Proximity in Human Monocyte-Derived Macrophages

Visualization of Inflammatory Caspases Induced Proximity in Human Monocyte-Derived Macrophages

Published on: April 6, 2022

Activation and Measurement of NLRP3 Inflammasome Activity Using IL-1β in Human Monocyte-derived Dendritic Cells

Activation and Measurement of NLRP3 Inflammasome Activity Using IL-1β in Human Monocyte-derived Dendritic Cells

Published on: May 22, 2014

This review covers inflammasome function and its association with a growing spectrum of diseases.

Impact:

Understanding inflammasome function is key to developing novel therapeutic strategies.
Identifying inflammasome involvement in disease pathogenesis opens new avenues for treatment.
The expanding scope of inflammasome-related diseases highlights its broad biological significance.