Pyroptosis
Pyroptosis
Pyroptosis (pronounced: py-roh-pto-sis) is a highly inflammatory form of programmed cell death that occurs most frequently upon infection with intracellular pathogens and is a component of the antimicrobial response within the vertebrate immune system.
Etymology
The term "Pyroptosis" is derived from the Greek words "pyro", meaning fire or fever, and "ptosis", meaning falling. This term was coined to signify the inflammatory nature of the process.
Definition
Pyroptosis is a form of cell death that is distinct from apoptosis, necrosis, and autophagy. It is characterized by cell swelling, plasma membrane rupture, and release of pro-inflammatory intracellular contents, including cytokines and damage-associated molecular patterns (DAMPs).
Mechanism
Pyroptosis is initiated by certain inflammasomes, which are multi-protein complexes that form in response to infectious microbes and other danger signals. These inflammasomes activate caspase-1, a type of protease enzyme, which then cleaves the precursors of the pro-inflammatory cytokines interleukin-1 beta (IL-1β) and interleukin-18 (IL-18), as well as the protein gasdermin D. The N-terminal fragment of gasdermin D forms pores in the cell membrane, leading to cell swelling and eventual rupture.
Role in Disease
Pyroptosis has been implicated in a variety of diseases, including sepsis, autoimmune diseases, cancer, and neurodegenerative diseases. In these contexts, it can contribute to tissue damage and inflammation.
Related Terms
- Inflammasome
- Caspase-1
- Interleukin-1 beta
- Interleukin-18
- Gasdermin D
- Apoptosis
- Necrosis
- Autophagy
- Cytokines
- Damage-associated molecular patterns
External links
- Medical encyclopedia article on Pyroptosis
- Wikipedia's article - Pyroptosis
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