Channelling inflammation: gasdermins in physiology and disease.

Abstract

Gasdermins were recently identified as the mediators of pyroptosis - inflammatory cell death triggered by cytosolic sensing of invasive infection and danger signals. Upon activation, gasdermins form cell membrane pores, which release pro-inflammatory cytokines and alarmins and damage the integrity of the cell membrane. Roles for gasdermins in autoimmune and inflammatory diseases, infectious diseases, deafness and cancer are emerging, revealing potential novel therapeutic avenues. Here, we review current knowledge of the family of gasdermins, focusing on their mechanisms of action and roles in normal physiology and disease. Efforts to develop drugs to modulate gasdermin activity to reduce inflammation or activate more potent immune responses are highlighted.

• Authors: Xing Liu, Shiyu Xia, Zhibin Zhang, Hao Wu, Judy Lieberman
• Journal: Nature reviews. Drug discovery (Nat Rev Drug Discov) Vol. 20 Issue 5 Pg. 384-405 (05 2021) ISSN: 1474-1784 [Electronic] England
• PMID: 33692549 (Publication Type: Journal Article, Review)

Chemical References

• Anti-Inflammatory Agents
• Cytokines
• GSDMA protein, human
• Inflammation Mediators
• Neoplasm Proteins

Topics

• Animals
• Anti-Inflammatory Agents (pharmacology)
• Cytokines (metabolism)
• Humans
• Immunity (drug effects)
• Inflammation Mediators (metabolism)
• Neoplasm Proteins (drug effects, physiology)
• Pyroptosis (drug effects, physiology)