[Apoptosis (programmed cell death) in the immune system and hemopoiesis]

Apoptosis, or programmed cell death, is a series of controlled sequential events resulting in the demise of cells without evoking an inflammatory response. Although first described 20 years ago, this phenomenon evokes now renewed interest in this phenomenon, particularly in the light of our greater understanding of cellular signalling pathways and their genetic control. This is especially pertinent to haemopoiesis and overall maintenance of a functional immune system.