Cell death receptor pathways

Cell death receptor pathways are mechanisms by which cells can intentionally trigger their own death, often to maintain healthy tissue or eliminate damaged cells. These pathways involve specific proteins called death receptors on the cell surface that recognize signals from the body, prompting internal processes that lead to cell destruction. This process ensures that unhealthy or unnecessary cells are removed in a controlled manner, preventing potential harm or diseases like cancer. The pathways primarily include the extrinsic pathway, initiated by external signals, and the intrinsic pathway, which responds to internal stress or damage.