Several cell types can induce apoptosis, a process of programmed cell death. The specific cell initiating apoptosis depends on the context and the pathway involved.
Cells Inducing Apoptosis:
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Natural Killer (NK) cells and Cytotoxic T Lymphocytes (CTLs): These immune cells are key players in the extrinsic apoptosis pathway. NK cells, part of the innate immune system, and CTLs, part of the adaptive immune system, directly trigger apoptosis in target cells. [Reference: The primary cells that induce the extrinsic pathway of apoptosis are NK and CTL lymphocytes.]
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Other Cell Types: Various other cell types can indirectly or directly cause apoptosis in specific situations. For example, dihydrotestosterone-inducible dickkopf 1 from balding dermal papilla cells causes apoptosis in follicular keratinocytes. [Reference: Dihydrotestosterone-inducible dickkopf 1 from balding dermal papilla cells causes apoptosis in follicular keratinocytes.] Additionally, chronic exposure to high glucose and free fatty acids can induce beta-cell apoptosis in type 2 diabetes. [Reference: Chronic exposure to elevated levels of glucose and free fatty acids (FFAs) causes β-cell dysfunction and may induce β-cell apoptosis in type 2 diabetes.] Inhibition of VEGF receptors can lead to lung cell apoptosis. [Reference: We hypothesized that chronic blockade of VEGF receptors could induce alveolar cell apoptosis and emphysema.] Lidocaine, a local anesthetic, can induce apoptosis in head and neck squamous cell carcinoma cells. [Reference: Lidocaine activates T2R14 to increase intracellular Ca 2+ in HNSCC cells. Lidocaine decreases cell viability, depolarizes mitochondria, and leads to ROS.]
It's important to note that apoptosis is a complex process involving multiple pathways and signaling molecules. The specific cell initiating apoptosis will depend on the trigger and the type of cell undergoing death.
