What is the Significance of the Extrinsic Pathway in Health and Disease?
The extrinsic pathway plays a vital role in immune system regulation, tissue homeostasis, and development. Dysregulation of this pathway can lead to various diseases. For instance:
- Cancer: Tumor cells often evade apoptosis by downregulating death receptors or upregulating inhibitors like FLIPs, contributing to unchecked cell proliferation. - Autoimmune Disorders: Overactivation of the extrinsic pathway can lead to excessive cell death, contributing to diseases like systemic lupus erythematosus (SLE). - Neurodegenerative Diseases: Abnormal activation of apoptosis in neurons can contribute to neurodegenerative conditions such as Alzheimer's disease.
