Table 1. Cell death definitions.
Term | Definition |
Programmed Cell Death (PCD) | Cell death that is regulated by genetically encoded molecules in response to physiological or pathophysiological stimuli |
Apoptosis | An immunologically silent form of PCD driven by the executioner caspases that typically results in rapid engulfment by nearby phagocytes |
Pyroptosis | An immunogenic form of PCD driven by the inflammatory caspase-mediated cleavage of GSDMD in response to pathogen- and danger- associated molecular patterns (PAMPs and DAMPs, respectively) |
Secondary Necrosis | An immunogenic form of PCD driven by the caspase-3-mediated cleavage of GSDME that can sometimes follow the apoptotic program; secondary necrotic cells display very similar features to those undergoing pyroptosis |
NETosis | An immunogenic form of PCD occurring specifically in neutrophils driven by the inflammatory caspase-mediated cleavage of GSDMD, resulting in the release of neutrophil extracellular traps (NETs) |