These agents typically function by activating specific pathways that lead to apoptosis. They may directly influence the intrinsic (mitochondrial) or extrinsic (death receptor) pathways. For instance, intrinsic pathway activators can cause mitochondrial outer membrane permeabilization, releasing cytochrome c, which ultimately triggers cell death. Extrinsic pathway agents might bind to death receptors on the cell surface, initiating a cascade that leads to apoptosis.
