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. 2019 Dec 20;92(4):603–617.

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)