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Cell Death
Vertebrates
Pyroptosis
Inflammatory cell death mediated by gasdermin pore formation.
Overview
Pyroptosis is a lytic, pro-inflammatory form of regulated cell death. In the canonical pathway, caspase-1 (activated by inflammasomes) cleaves gasdermin D (GSDMD), releasing an N-terminal domain that oligomerizes in the plasma membrane, forming large pores (~18 nm). This causes cell swelling, membrane rupture, and release of pro-inflammatory cytokines (IL-1β, IL-18) and DAMPs. Non-canonical pyroptosis is triggered by caspase-4/5/11 sensing cytoplasmic LPS.
Cellular Location
Cytoplasm → plasma membrane
Clinical Significance
Key defense against intracellular pathogens; drives inflammation in sepsis and autoinflammatory diseases; gasdermin pores are potential drug targets.