title: Cell death pathology: perspective for human diseases.
abstract: Apoptosis, a genetically regulated form of cell death with distinct biochemical and morphological features, plays a relevant physiological and pathological role in the organism, being pivotal in the maintenance of tissue development and homeostasis in the adult as well as in the regulation of immune responses. Deregulation of this process causes several human disorders including cancer, autoimmune and neurodegenerative diseases. Thus, modulation of the apoptotic process and of cell death in general, is a potential therapeutic approach for the treatment of several human pathologies.
authors.affiliation: Medical Research Council, Toxicology Unit, Leicester, UK. ma285@le.ac.uk
authors.forename: Massimiliano
authors.initials: M
authors.lastname: Agostini
authors.forename: Paola
authors.initials: P
authors.lastname: Tucci
authors.forename: Gerry
authors.initials: G
authors.lastname: Melino
mesh_terms: D017209:Apoptosis / Q000187:drug effects*; D002986:Clinical Trials as Topic; D006801:Humans; D007154:Immune System Diseases / Q000188:drug therapy* / Q000473:pathology; D019636:Neurodegenerative Diseases / Q000188:drug therapy* / Q000473:pathology