Necroptosis: An emerging form of programmed cell death

Necrosis plays an important role in multiple physiological and pathological processes. Recently, a relatively new form of necrosis has been characterized as “necroptosis”. Morphologically, necroptosis exhibits the features of necrosis; however, necroptosis exhibits a unique signaling pathway that requires the involvement of receptor interaction protein kinase 1 and 3 (RIP1 and RIP3) and can be specifically inhibited by necrostatins. Necroptosis has been found to contribute to the regulation of immune system, cancer development as well as cellular responses to multiple stresses. In this review, we will summarize the signaling pathway, biological effects and pathological significance of this specific form of programmed cell death.

► Necroptosis is one particular form of programmed necrosis induced by stimulating death receptors with agonists. ► Necroptosis has its own unique signaling pathway which requires the involvement of receptor interaction protein kinase 1 and 3. ► Necroptosis plays an important role in immune system regulation, tissue injury, and cancer development.