Autolysis

Autolysis (Greek αυτόλυσις 'self-digestion') refers to the self-digestion (lysis is the dissolution itself) of dead body cells by enzymes that are already present in the tissue, without the involvement of bacteria or other living organisms. Cell death can occur through programmed cell death (apoptosis) or necrosis. Self-digestion occurs through lysosomal enzymes such as cathepsins and other peptidases.