2021 | Pian Yu, Xu Zhang, Nian Liu, Ling Tang, Cong Peng, and Xiang Chen
Pyroptosis, a form of programmed cell death associated with inflammation, has gained significant attention due to its role in innate immunity and disease. This review discusses the mechanisms of pyroptosis, its relationship with tumors, and its potential as a therapeutic strategy. Pyroptosis is mediated by gasdermin family proteins, particularly GSDMD, which forms pores in the cell membrane, leading to cell death and the release of inflammatory molecules. The process involves caspase activation, which cleaves gasdermins and triggers membrane rupture. Pyroptosis differs from apoptosis in its inflammatory nature and morphological characteristics, such as cell swelling and membrane blebbing. It is involved in various diseases, including cancer, and can be induced by factors like chemotherapy drugs and immune cells. The review highlights the dual role of pyroptosis in tumors, where it can both promote and inhibit cancer progression. It also discusses the potential of pyroptosis as a therapeutic target, noting its role in immune responses and tumor suppression. The study emphasizes the importance of understanding pyroptosis in cancer treatment and its implications for developing new therapies.Pyroptosis, a form of programmed cell death associated with inflammation, has gained significant attention due to its role in innate immunity and disease. This review discusses the mechanisms of pyroptosis, its relationship with tumors, and its potential as a therapeutic strategy. Pyroptosis is mediated by gasdermin family proteins, particularly GSDMD, which forms pores in the cell membrane, leading to cell death and the release of inflammatory molecules. The process involves caspase activation, which cleaves gasdermins and triggers membrane rupture. Pyroptosis differs from apoptosis in its inflammatory nature and morphological characteristics, such as cell swelling and membrane blebbing. It is involved in various diseases, including cancer, and can be induced by factors like chemotherapy drugs and immune cells. The review highlights the dual role of pyroptosis in tumors, where it can both promote and inhibit cancer progression. It also discusses the potential of pyroptosis as a therapeutic target, noting its role in immune responses and tumor suppression. The study emphasizes the importance of understanding pyroptosis in cancer treatment and its implications for developing new therapies.