Insights into programmed cell death from multiple imaging modalities

Programmed cell death (PCD) is a fundamental, genetically regulated process crucial for development and homeostasis in multicellular organisms. Despite its importance, studying PCD presents significant challenges. Traditional methods relying on static, fixed samples cannot capture the dynamic progression of PCD and rarely reproduce the complex in vivo microenvironment. This review provides a systematic comparison of molecular probes and imaging modalities for detecting and differentiating major PCD subtypes, including apoptosis, necroptosis, and pyroptosis. We systematically summarize recent advances, emphasizing their utility for imaging‑based identification of distinct cell death forms rather than solely focusing on dynamic visualization. Practical guidance is offered for selecting appropriate probes and imaging platforms according to specific biological questions. By enabling real-time monitoring of hallmark markers and deep-tissue dynamics in living organisms, in vivo imaging provides novel insights and advanced technical support for elucidating the biological roles and functional significance of PCD. Nevertheless, this review highlights that the current strength of these technologies lies primarily in their ability to detect and differentiate PCD subtypes, with real‑time monitoring of full spatiotemporal dynamics remaining an ongoing challenge.