💥 What if an immune cell could defend the body by literally exploding?

A fascinating new study in Cell describes "ruptoblasts," a previously unknown cytotoxic cell type in planarian flatworms. Triggered by activin signaling, these cells undergo an explosive form of death called ruptosis, releasing potent diffusible factors that rapidly kill nearby cells and bacteria. 🧬⚡

The work links hormone surveillance with immune defense and uncovers a mechanism distinct from apoptosis, pyroptosis, necroptosis, and ferroptosis. A remarkable glimpse into ancient evolutionary solutions to immunity. 🔬🛡️

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