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Updated: May 4, 2026

Author Spotlight: THP-1 Macrophage Response to LPS/ATP — Unveiling the Pyroptosis, Apoptosis, and Necroptosis Spectrum
Published on: May 3, 2024
[Programmed cell death comes in many flavors]
Lauriane Cabon1, Ana-Carolina Martinez-Torres1, Santos A Susin1
1Inserm U872, équipe 19 « mort cellulaire programmée et physiopathologie des cellules tumorales », Centre de recherche des Cordeliers, Université Pierre et Marie Curie, Université Paris-Descartes, Sorbonne-Universités, UMRS 872, 15, rue de l'École de Médecine, 75006 Paris, France.
Abstract:
Apoptosis is nowadays what comes first to your scientist mind when someone mentions cellular suicide. However this is not the sole form of programmed cell death and many other alternative or atypical pathways have now been described. These pathways are indeed rather preferred to apoptosis in some instances based on tissue origin, cell type or development stage of the target cell. In this review, we describe many different programmed cell death subtypes according to their characteristics. Discrete, brutal, final or singular cell death pathways all participate in the elimination of unwanted, damaged or dangerous cells in organisms hence contributing to our knowledge of this particular feature of living beings: dying! Through description of anoikis, necroptosis, entosis, netosis, pyroptosis or ferroptosis, we have no choice but to realize that programmed cell death comes in many flavors.
Insights
Programmed cell death encompasses more than apoptosis, with various alternative pathways like necroptosis and pyroptosis playing crucial roles in eliminating unwanted cells. Understanding these diverse cell death mechanisms is vital for biological research.
Area of Science:
- Cell Biology
- Molecular Biology
Context:
- Apoptosis is widely recognized as programmed cell death.
- Alternative programmed cell death pathways are increasingly described.
Purpose:
- To review diverse programmed cell death subtypes beyond apoptosis.
- To highlight the characteristics and significance of various cell death pathways.
Summary:
- This review details multiple programmed cell death pathways, including anoikis, necroptosis, entosis, netosis, pyroptosis, and ferroptosis.
- These pathways differ in characteristics and are utilized based on cell type, tissue origin, and developmental stage.
- Programmed cell death is essential for removing damaged or dangerous cells in organisms.
Impact:
- Expands understanding of cellular mechanisms of death.
- Provides insights into the diverse biological roles of programmed cell death.
- Contributes to the broader knowledge of cell biology and organismal health.
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