Pyroptosis is a form of programmed cell death that is typically triggered by the activation of inflammasomes. Pyroptosis plays a crucial role in the immune response, particularly in combating pathogen infections and regulating inflammatory reactions. Below are detailed characteristics and regulatory mechanisms of pyroptosis:
Cell Swelling and Lysis: During pyroptosis, cells undergo significant swelling, eventually leading to the rupture of the cell membrane and the release of cellular contents.
Release of Inflammatory Factors: Pyroptosis involves the release of large amounts of inflammatory factors, such as IL-1β and IL-18, which trigger a strong inflammatory response.
DNA Leakage: After the cell membrane ruptures, cellular DNA and other materials are released, further activating the immune system.
Inflammasome Activation
NLRP3 Inflammasome: The NLRP3 inflammasome is one of the most common inflammasomes and can be activated by various signals, such as pathogen-associated molecular patterns (PAMPs) and damage-associated molecular patterns (DAMPs).
AIM2 Inflammasome: The AIM2 inflammasome can recognize double-stranded DNA within the cell, activating pyroptosis.
NLRC4 Inflammasome: The NLRC4 inflammasome can recognize bacterial flagellin proteins, activating pyroptosis.
Caspase-1 Activation
Caspase-1: After inflammasome activation, Caspase-1 is activated and cleaves Gasdermin D (GSDMD), forming membrane pores that lead to cell swelling and lysis.
Gasdermin D: GSDMD is a key effector protein in pyroptosis. After Caspase-1 cleaves GSDMD, GSDMD forms membrane pores, leading to the release of cellular contents.
Cell Swelling and Lysis
Cell Swelling: The membrane pores formed by GSDMD alter the osmotic pressure inside the cell, causing the cell to absorb a large amount of water and swell significantly.
Cell Lysis: When the cell swells to a certain extent, the cell membrane ruptures, releasing cellular contents and triggering an inflammatory response.
Voisey
Voisey is a technical support specialist at EnkiLife, proficient in immunology and cell biology. She is committed to providing customers with professional and efficient technical support. Additionally, she is involved in research on customers' fields of study and designs highly cost-effective solutions for them.
