In this review, researchers explore the intricate relationship between various cell death pathways and host immunological responses.
Kuo-Cheng Lu, Kuo-Wang Tsai, Yu-Kuen Wang, and Wan-Chung Hu from Taipei Tzu Chi Hospital, Fu Jen Catholic University, Taoyuan Armed Forces General Hospital, Tri-Service General Hospital and Ming Chuan University, have delved into the literature surrounding cell death pathways and their connections to host immunological pathways.
Their review was published as the cover paper of Aging (listed by MEDLINE/PubMed as “Aging (Albany NY)” and “Aging-US” by Web of Science), Volume 16, Issue 15, entitled, “Types of Cell Death and Their Relations to Host Immunological Pathways.”
The Review
Cell death is a fundamental process essential to various biological phenomena, including development, tissue homeostasis, and immune responses. There are several distinct pathways of cell death, each with unique characteristics and implications for host immunological pathways.
Apoptosis: The earliest discovered form of programmed cell death, apoptosis is a tightly regulated process controlled by genetic machinery, playing a crucial role during embryonic development to eliminate unwanted cells.
Autophagy: Often referred to as type 2 cell death, autophagy is a conserved cellular process that degrades unwanted or damaged organelles, acting as a recycling mechanism to maintain cellular metabolism, particularly during starvation or cellular stress.
Pyroptosis: Triggered by the activation of the inflammasome complex, pyroptosis is associated with the rapid clearance of intracellular pathogens, particularly in immune cells, keratinocytes, and epithelial cells. It induces the release of pro-inflammatory cytokines like interleukin-1β and interleukin-18.
Ferroptosis: Characterized by the accumulation of lipid peroxides due to excess intracellular iron, ferroptosis disrupts membranes through lipid peroxidation, contributing to the elimination of intracellular microorganisms.
Necroptosis: A programmed form of cell death distinct from necrosis, necroptosis is mediated by receptor-interacting protein kinases and is associated with macrophage death, inducing pro-inflammatory immune responses and the release of damage-associated molecular patterns.
NETosis: A unique form of cell death involving neutrophils, NETosis results in the release of neutrophil extracellular traps (NETs), networks of DNA and proteins that capture and kill extracellular microorganisms. This pathway is associated with the TH17 immunological pathway and regulated by cytokines like interleukin-17.
These cell death pathways are closely interconnected with host immunological pathways, playing crucial roles in the defense against various pathogens. Understanding these interactions provides valuable insights into the complex relationship between cell death and immune responses.
Conclusion
Programmed cell death pathways are intimately linked with host immunological responses, offering insights into the host’s defense mechanisms against pathogens. This understanding can pave the way for developing better therapeutic strategies against infections and autoimmune disorders.
“The intricate network of host immunological pathways, categorized into eradicable and tolerable immune responses, showcases the remarkable adaptability and specificity of the immune system in combating diverse pathogens.”
Click here to read the full review in Aging.
—
Aging is an open-access, traditional, peer-reviewed journal that publishes high-impact papers in all fields of aging research. All papers are available to readers (at no cost and free of subscription barriers) in bi-monthly issues at Aging-US.com.
Click here to subscribe to Aging publication updates.
For media inquiries, please contact [email protected].