Necroptosis: a new link between cell death and inflammation

Necroptosis is a type of newly identified cell death induced by apoptotic stimuli under conditions where apoptotic execution is prevented. Studies over the past 10 years have revealed the molecular mechanism of necroptosis and challenged the old conception that necrosis is un-programmed. Recently, more and more data have emerged suggesting a close association between necroptosis and inflammation. In this review, the authors summarized the current knowledge of the mechanism of necroptosis, focusing on tumour necrosis factor α induced necroptosis and the roles of necroptosis in regulating inflammation. In particular, we discussed the occurrence of necroptosis and its relation with inflammation in neurological diseases hoping to provide new insight for the research and treatment of neuroinflammatory disorders