Cell Killing

"Cell killing" refers to any process by which biological cells are actively eliminated, either via intrinsic genetic programs (such as apoptosis and autophagy) or through traumatic, pathological events (such as necrosis)[1][4][7]. While the phrase is commonly used in the context of immunology or oncology to indicate the destruction of target cells (e.g., cytotoxic T lymphocyte-mediated killing of tumor or infected cells), it does not designate a single, structurally defined molecule, protein, receptor, or gene product. Instead, it encompasses a spectrum of cell fates arising from diverse molecular pathways[1][4][5]. Key examples include apoptosis (programmed cell death driven by caspases and BCL-family proteins), necrosis (cell lysis due to acute damage), necroptosis (a programmed form of necrosis), autophagic cell death, and others[1][4][5][7]. Each mechanism involves its own canonical protein and gene targets, but "cell killing" itself is not a single drug target.\n\nThis entry is considered “incorrect” as a target name because it does not uniquely specify a defined molecule or actionable target suitable for drug discovery or structured biological curation—it is a functional outcome or phenotype, not a molecular entity.

Other names

Cell deathCell eliminationProgrammed cell deathApoptosisNecrosisAutophagic cell deathCell suicide