Pyroptosis

Pyroptosis is a form of programmed cell death distinct from apoptosis and necrosis, characterized by its inflammatory nature. Triggered primarily by inflammatory caspases such as caspase-1, following the activation of inflammasomes in response to infectious pathogens or cellular damage, pyroptosis leads to cell lysis and the release of pro-inflammatory cellular contents. This process is crucial for the body's defense mechanism against infections by eliminating the intracellular niche of pathogens and promoting an inflammatory response to recruit immune cells. However, excessive pyroptosis can contribute to chronic inflammatory diseases and sepsis. Understanding and potentially regulating pyroptosis is significant for designing therapies for diseases characterized by inflammation and immune dysregulation.