Pyroptosis: Cellular Signaling of Inflammatory Cell Death

Pyroptosis is a highly inflammatory form of programmed cell death characterized by cell swelling, membrane rupture, and release of pro-inflammatory mediators such as IL-1β and IL-18. Distinct from apoptosis, pyroptosis is primarily mediated by gasdermin family proteins, particularly Gasdermin D (GSDMD), which forms membrane pores upon activation. Signaling occurs via canonical pathways involving caspase-1 and inflammasomes (e.g., NLRP3) or non-canonical pathways via caspases-4/5/11 in response to intracellular LPS. Tight regulatory mechanisms, including endogenous inhibitors and feedback loops, control pyroptosis to prevent excessive inflammation. This review focuses on the cellular mechanism of pyroptosis and its inhibitors.