"This book covers the role of apoptosis in infection by viruses, bacteria and parasites. Apoptosis is a regulated, energy-dependent process by which a cell self-destructs. This mechanism of programmed cell death plays an important role in normal development and control of cell numbers in mature animals. Intense investigation of the cell death process has defined many molecular features of the pathway by which regulation and execution can be exploited by pathogens. Apoptosis as a response to an intracellular pathogen may be a useful way for the host to eliminate infected cells, decreasing the likelihood of spread of the infection to neighboring cells and preventing pathogen persistence."--BOOK JACKET.