PANoptosis and PANoptosomes in Viral and Bacterial Infections: Functional Contributions, Molecular Organization, and Evidence Boundaries

Infection-triggered cell death can restrict pathogens but also injure host tissues. PANoptosis refers to proposed coordination of pyroptosis, apoptosis, and necroptosis, whereas PANoptosomes are candidate molecular assemblies linking these pathways. Using systematized searches and a source-linked evidence map, we examined 105 claim units (individual evidence statements) from 73 reports on viral and bacterial infections. Four of fourteen functional claims supported contributions from at least two death pathways; none established stringent functional integration of all three. Molecular evidence largely concerned protein association, with one claim showing time-indexed organization in infected cells. Cell identity, timing, and death in uninfected bystander cells influenced the observed responses. Separating pathway function, molecular organization, and host outcomes clarifies their different implications for pathogen control, tissue injury, and the evaluation of candidate interventions.