Research Journal of Cell Sciences
Apoptosis: To Live or Die? A Holistic Review
Abstract
Akinade K. Adetola and Regina N. Ugbaja
Apoptosis, or programmed cell death, is a highly regulated cellular process required for embryonic development, immune tolerance, and tissue homeostasis. Aberrant apoptosis contributes to the pathogenesis of cancer, autoimmune disease, neurodegeneration, and viral infections including COVID-19. Over the past two decades, our understanding of apoptotic pathways has evolved to include not only intrinsic and extrinsic mechanisms but also caspase-independent and immunologically regulated processes. This review synthesizes the morphological hallmarks, signaling pathways, regulatory networks, and therapeutic implications of apoptosis, highlighting emerging insights into cross-talk with necroptosis, pyroptosis, and ferroptosis.