The article discusses the role of pyroptosis, a form of programmed cell death, in defending against intracellular pathogens. Pyroptosis, initiated by inflammatory caspases such as caspase-1 and caspase-11, removes the replicative niche of intracellular pathogens, making them susceptible to phagocytosis and killing by secondary phagocytes. The review highlights the molecular and morphological characteristics of pyroptosis, including pore formation in the plasma membrane, DNA damage, and chromatin condensation. It also covers the activation of pyroptosis by various inflammasomes, such as NLRC4, AIM2, NLRP3, and NLRP1, and their roles in defense against bacterial, viral, and fungal pathogens. The article further explores how pathogens evade pyroptosis, including by modifying ligand structure, inhibiting inflammasome function, and disrupting the replicative niche. Finally, it emphasizes the importance of understanding the balance between protective and detrimental effects of pyroptosis in vivo, particularly in the context of sepsis.The article discusses the role of pyroptosis, a form of programmed cell death, in defending against intracellular pathogens. Pyroptosis, initiated by inflammatory caspases such as caspase-1 and caspase-11, removes the replicative niche of intracellular pathogens, making them susceptible to phagocytosis and killing by secondary phagocytes. The review highlights the molecular and morphological characteristics of pyroptosis, including pore formation in the plasma membrane, DNA damage, and chromatin condensation. It also covers the activation of pyroptosis by various inflammasomes, such as NLRC4, AIM2, NLRP3, and NLRP1, and their roles in defense against bacterial, viral, and fungal pathogens. The article further explores how pathogens evade pyroptosis, including by modifying ligand structure, inhibiting inflammasome function, and disrupting the replicative niche. Finally, it emphasizes the importance of understanding the balance between protective and detrimental effects of pyroptosis in vivo, particularly in the context of sepsis.