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Cell Death
Metazoans
Extrinsic Apoptosis (Death Receptor)
Cell death initiated by death ligand-receptor interactions at the cell surface.
Overview
The extrinsic pathway is triggered by death ligands (FasL, TNF, TRAIL) binding death receptors (Fas, TNFR1, DR4/5). This recruits FADD and pro-caspase-8 to form the DISC. Activated caspase-8 directly activates executioner caspases or cleaves BID to engage the intrinsic pathway.
Cellular Location
Cell surface → cytoplasm
Clinical Significance
Important for immune homeostasis; TRAIL receptors explored as cancer therapy targets.