mazEF, which is a toxin-antitoxin system located in bacterial chromosome, can mediate programmed cell death induced by various stressful conditions. In this review, the genetic structure, physiological and biochemical function of mazEF system were outlined, cellular signals and the regulation of cell factors involved in the process of cell death were introduced, and the controversy on the theory of mazEF-mediated programmed cell death was discussed. Based on the present results, It is pointed out that some questions about bacterial programmed cell death should be taken into more consideration.