PANoptosis

PANoptosis is a novel, integrated form of programmed cell death, coordinated and regulated by the multiprotein complex known as the PANoptosome. Unlike the traditional view, which regards pyroptosis, apoptosis and necroptosis as distinct modes of cell death, PANoptosis emphasises the extensive molecular cross-regulation and functional coupling between these three pathways. Pathogen infection, changes in the tumour microenvironment or sterile inflammatory stimuli can induce PANoptosome assembly via upstream sensors such as ZBP1, AIM2, NLRP3 and RIPK1, thereby further activating key effector molecules including Caspase-1, Caspase-8, Caspase-3/7, GSDMD and MLKL. A growing body of research indicates that PANoptosis plays a significant role in infectious diseases, autoimmune diseases, neurodegenerative diseases and tumour immune regulation; consequently, the relevant signalling molecules have become a key area of research for disease intervention and drug development.