Hyperactivation of succinate dehydrogenase promotes pyroptosis of macrophage via ROS-induced GSDMD oligomerization in acute liver failure

Acute liver failure (ALF) is a life-threatening disease with high mortality. Given excessive inflammation is one of the major pathogenesis of ALF, candidates targeting inflammation could be beneficial in the condition. Now the effect of hyperactivated succinate dehydrogenase (SDH) on promoting inflammation in lipopolysaccharide (LPS)-treated macrophages has been studied. However, its role and mechanism in ALF is not well understood. Here intraperitoneal injection of D-galactosamine and LPS was conducted in male C57BL/6 J mice to induce the ALF model. Dimethyl malonate (DMM), which inhibited SDH activity, was injected intraperitoneally 30 min before ALF induction. Macrophage pyroptosis was induced by LPS plus adenosine triphosphate (ATP). Pyroptosis-related molecules and proteins including GSDMD oligomer were examined by ELISA and western blot techniques, respectively. ROS production was assessed by fluorescence staining. The study demonstrated SDH activity was increased in liver macrophages from ALF mice. Importantly, DMM administration inhibited ROS, IL-1β, and pyroptosis-associated proteins levels (NLRP3, cleaved caspase-1, GSDMD-N, and GSDMD oligomers) both in the ALF model and in macrophages stimulated with LPS plus ATP. In vitro, ROS promoted pyroptosis by facilitating GSDMD oligomerization. Additionally, when ROS levels were increased through the addition of H2O2 to the DMM group, the levels of GSDMD oligomers were reverted. In conclusion, SDH hyperactivation promotes macrophage pyroptosis by ROS-mediated GSDMD oligomerization, suggesting that targeting this pathway holds promise as a strategy for treating ALF and other inflammatory diseases.

Understanding Propofol's Protective Mechanism in Tubular Epithelial Cells: Mitigating Pyroptosis via the miR-143-3p/ATPase Na + /K + Transporting Subunit Alpha 2 Pathway in Renal Ischemia-Reperfusion

Propofol (Pro), a prevalent intravenous anesthetic, has recently been recognized for its potential in mitigating ischemia-reperfusion (I/R) injuries. Despite a plethora of evidence suggesting the beneficial effects of low-dose Pro in renal I/R injury (RI/R), its role in modulating pyroptosis in renal tubular epithelial cells consequent to RI/R has not been thoroughly elucidated. In our investigation, we explored the therapeutic potential of Pro against pyroptosis in renal tubular epithelial cells under the duress of RI/R, employing both in vivo and in vitro models, while deciphering the intricate molecular pathways involved. Our results demonstrate an elevation in the expression of miR-143-3p, contrasted by a diminution in ATPase Na + /K + Transporting Subunit Alpha 2 (ATP1A2) under RI/R conditions. Pro effectively mitigates apoptosis in renal tubular epithelial cells induced by RI/R, principally characterized by the inhibition of pro-inflammatory cytokines interleukin (IL-)-1β and IL-18, enhancement of cellular viability, reduction in the ratio of pyroptotic cells, and suppression of nucleotide-binding domain and leucine-rich repeat-related family, pyrin domain containing 3 inflammasome activation along with the expression of cleaved caspase-1, and gasdermin D. Both knockdown and overexpression studies of miR-143-3p revealed its pivotal role in modulating RI/R-induced tubular cell pyroptosis. Notably, Pro's capacity to inhibit pyroptosis in renal tubular epithelial cells was found to be reversible following ATP1A2 knockdown. Furthermore, our study unveils miR-143-3p as a targeted regulator of ATP1A2 expression. From a mechanistic standpoint, Pro's therapeutic efficacy is attributed to its regulatory influence on miR-143-3p and ATP1A2 expression levels. In conclusion, our findings pioneer the understanding that Pro can significantly ameliorate pyroptosis in renal tubular epithelial cells in the context of RI/R, predominantly through the modulation of the miR-143-3p/ATP1A2 axis. This novel insight furnishes robust empirical support for the development of targeted therapeutics and clinical strategies in addressing RI/R.

Caspase-11/GSDMD contributes to the progression of hyperuricemic nephropathy by promoting NETs formation

Hyperuricemia is an independent risk factor for chronic kidney disease (CKD) and promotes renal fibrosis, but the underlying mechanism remains largely unknown. Unresolved inflammation is strongly associated with renal fibrosis and is a well-known significant contributor to the progression of CKD, including hyperuricemia nephropathy. In the current study, we elucidated the impact of Caspase-11/Gasdermin D (GSDMD)-dependent neutrophil extracellular traps (NETs) on progressive hyperuricemic nephropathy. We found that the Caspase-11/GSDMD signaling were markedly activated in the kidneys of hyperuricemic nephropathy. Deletion of Gsdmd or Caspase-11 protects against the progression of hyperuricemic nephropathy by reducing kidney inflammation, proinflammatory and profibrogenic factors expression, NETs generation, α-smooth muscle actin expression, and fibrosis. Furthermore, specific deletion of Gsdmd or Caspase-11 in hematopoietic cells showed a protective effect on renal fibrosis in hyperuricemic nephropathy. Additionally, in vitro studies unveiled the capability of uric acid in inducing Caspase-11/GSDMD-dependent NETs formation, consequently enhancing α-smooth muscle actin production in macrophages. In summary, this study demonstrated the contributory role of Caspase-11/GSDMD in the progression of hyperuricemic nephropathy by promoting NETs formation, which may shed new light on the therapeutic approach to treating and reversing hyperuricemic nephropathy.

Xiaoqinglong decoction improves allergic rhinitis by inhibiting NLRP3-mediated pyroptosis in BALB/C mice

ETHNOPHARMACOLOGICAL RELEVANCE

Xiaoqinglong decoction (XQLD), first recorded in Shang Han Lun, is a traditional Chinese medicine prescribed for the treatment of allergic rhinitis (AR). XQLD alleviates the clinical symptoms of AR by inhibiting the occurrence of an inflammatory response, but the specific regulatory mechanism remains unclear.

AIM OF THE STUDY

NLRP3-mediated pyroptosis is closely related to AR pathogenesis. Hence, this study aimed to explore the potential role of NLRP3-mediated pyroptosis pathway in the AR-associated pharmacological mechanism of XQLD.

MATERIALS AND METHODS

BALB/C mice models of AR was established by using ovalbumin (OVA) and aluminum hydroxide sensitization. After intragastric administration of different dosages of XQLD, nasal allergic symptoms were observed. The expression of OVA-sIgE and Th2 inflammatory factors (IL-4, IL-5, and IL-13) in serum was detected by ELISA. The histopathological morphology and expression of inflammatory factors in nasal mucosa along with pyroptosis were investigated. Molecular docking was performed to analyze the binding of representative compounds of XQLD with NLRP3. Activation of the NLRP3 inflammasome was detected by immunofluorescence and western blotting.

RESULTS

XQLD significantly improved the nasal allergic symptoms of mice, reduced the degree of goblet cell proliferation, mast cell infiltration, and collagen fiber hyperplasia in nasal mucosa. Meanwhile, it could downregulate the expression of Th2 inflammatory factors (IL-4, IL-5, and IL-13) in serum and nasal mucosa. XQLD significantly reduced the number of GSDMD and TUNEL double-positive cells and IL-1β and IL-18 expression. Molecular docking confirmed that seven representative compounds of XQLD had good binding properties with NLRP3 and were able to inhibit the activation of the NLRP3 inflammasome.

CONCLUSIONS

The representative compounds of XQLD might inhibit pyroptosis in nasal mucosa mediated by the NLRP3 inflammasome to helping the recovery of AR, which provides a new modern pharmacological proof for XQLD to treat AR.

Pyroptosis and the tumor immune microenvironment: A new battlefield in ovarian cancer treatment

Ovarian cancer is a less common tumor in women compared to cervical or breast cancer, however it is more malignant and has worse outcomes. Ovarian cancer patients still have a five-year survival rate < 50% despite advances in therapy. Due to recent developments in immune checkpoint inhibitors (ICIs), cancer immunotherapy has attracted increased interest. Pyroptosis is a highly inflammatory form of cell death, which is essential for bridging innate and adaptive immunity, and is involved in immune regulation within the tumor microenvironment (TME). Recent research has shown that pyroptosis can promote immunotherapy of ovarian cancer, including treatment with chimeric antigen receptor T-cells (CAR-T) or ICIs. Moreover, inflammasomes, various signaling pathways and lncRNAs can all affect pyroptosis in ovarian cancer. Here we discuss how pyroptosis affects the development and progression of ovarian cancer as well as the TME. We also provide a summary of small molecule drugs that could target pyroptotic cell death processes and may be useful in ovarian cancer therapy.

Sulconazole induces pyroptosis promoted by interferon-γ in monocyte/macrophage lineage cells

Imidazole derivatives are commonly used as antifungal agents. Here, we aimed to investigate the functions of imidazole derivatives on macrophage lineage cells. We assessed the expression levels of inflammatory cytokines in mouse monocyte/macrophage lineage (RAW264.7) cells. All six imidazole derivatives examined, namely ketoconazole, sulconazole, isoconazole, luliconazole, clotrimazole, and bifonazole, reduced the expression levels of inflammatory cytokines, such as interleukin (IL)-6 and tumor necrosis factor-α, after induction by lipopolysaccharide (LPS) in RAW264.7 cells. These imidazole derivatives also induced cell death in RAW264.7 cells, regardless of the presence or absence of LPS. Since the cell death was characteristic in morphology, we investigated the mode of the cell death. An imidazole derivative, sulconazole, induced gasdermin D degradation together with caspase-11 activation, namely, pyroptosis in RAW264.7 cells and peritoneal macrophages. Furthermore, priming with interferon-γ promoted sulconazole-induced pyroptosis in RAW264.7 cells and macrophages and reduced the secretion of the inflammatory cytokine, IL-1β, from sulconazole-treated macrophages. Our results suggest that imidazole derivatives suppress inflammation by inducing macrophage pyroptosis, highlighting their modulatory potential for inflammatory diseases.

Divinyl sulfone, an oxidative metabolite of sulfur mustard, induces caspase-independent pyroptosis in hepatocytes

Sulfur mustard (SM) is a highly toxic blister agent which has been used many times in several wars and conflicts and caused heavy casualties. Ease of production and lack of effective therapies make SM a potential threat to public health. SM intoxication causes severe damage on various target organs, such as the skin, eyes, and lungs. In addition, SM exposure can also lead to hepatotoxicity and severe liver injuries. However, despite decades of research, the molecular mechanism underlying SM-induced liver damage remains obscure. SM can be converted into various products via complex hepatic metabolism in vivo. There are some pieces of evidence that one of the oxidation products of SM, divinyl sulfone (DVS), exhibits even more significant toxicity than SM. Nevertheless, the molecular toxicology of DVS is still hardly known. In the present study, we confirmed that DVS is even more toxic than SM in the human hepatocellular carcinoma cell line HepG2. Further mechanistic study revealed that DVS exposure (200 μM) promotes pyroptosis in HepG2 cells, while SM (400 μM) mainly induces apoptosis. DVS induces gasdermin D (GSDMD) mediated pyroptosis, which is independent of caspases activation but depends on the large amounts of reactive oxygen species (ROS) and severe oxidative stress produced during DVS exposure. Our findings may provide novel insights for understanding the mechanism of SM poisoning and may be helpful to discover promising therapeutic strategies for SM intoxication.

Mitochondrial reactive oxygen species initiate gasdermin D-mediated pyroptosis and contribute to paraquat-induced nephrotoxicity

Paraquat (PQ)-induced acute kidney injury (AKI) progresses rapidly and is associated with high mortality rates; however, no specific antidote for PQ has been identified. Poor understanding of toxicological mechanisms underlying PQ has hindered the development of suitable treatments to combat PQ exposure. Gasdermin D (GSDMD), a key executor of pyroptosis, has recently been shown to enhance nephrotoxicity in drug-induced AKI. To explore the role of pyroptosis in PQ-induced AKI, the plasma membrane damage of the cells was detected by LDH release assay. Western blot was performed to detect the cleavage of GSDMD. RNA sequencing analysis was performed to explore the mechanism of PQ induced nephrotoxicity. Herein, we demonstrated that PQ could induce pyroptosis in HK-2 cells and nephridial tissues. Mechanistically, PQ initiated GSDMD cleavage, and GSDMD knockout attenuated PQ-induced nephrotoxicity in vivo. Further analysis revealed that the accumulation of mitochondrial reactive oxygen species (ROS) induced p38 activation, contributing to PQ-induced pyroptosis. Furthermore, mitoquinone, a mitochondria-targeted antioxidant, reduced mitochondrial ROS levels and inhibited pyroptosis. Collectively, these findings provide insights into the role of GSDMD-dependent pyroptosis as a novel mechanism of PQ-induced AKI.

Fluorochrome-labeled inhibitors of caspase-1 require membrane permeabilization to efficiently access caspase-1 in macrophages

Caspase-1 location in cells has been studied with fluorochrome-labeled inhibitors of caspase-1 (FLICA reagents). We report that FLICA reagents have limited cell-membrane permeability. This impacts experimental design as cells with intact membranes, including caspase-1 knockout cells, are not appropriate controls for cells with inflammasome-induced gasdermin D membrane pores.

Macrophage-derived GSDMD promotes abdominal aortic aneurysm and aortic smooth muscle cells pyroptosis

Macrophage is a vital factor in determining the fate of abdominal aortic aneurysm (AAA). The crosstalk between macrophage and other cells plays a crucial role in the development of aneurysm. Gasdermin D (GSDMD) is a vital executive protein of pyroptosis, which is a novel programmed cell death associated with inflammation. In this study, we identified aortic macrophage as the main expressing cell of GSDMD in AAA. Using Gsdmd-/-ApoE-/- mouse and AAV-F4/80-shGSDMD, we demonstrated the potential role of macrophage-derived GSDMD in AAA and aortic pyroptosis induced by Ang II in vivo. In vitro experiments showed that GSDMD promotes the pyroptosis of mouse primary peritoneal macrophages (MPMs), murine aortic vascular smooth muscle cells (MOVAS) and primary smooth muscle cells. Mechanistically, a mouse cytokine antibody array showed that Gsdmd-/- inhibited LPS + nigericin (LN)- induced secretion of multiple cytokines from MPMs. Furthermore, GSDMD is involved in the crosstalk between MPMs and MOVAS via cytokine secretion. This study provides a novel fundamental insight into macrophage-derived GSDMD in AAA and showed that GSDMD could be a promising therapeutic target for AAA.

Irisin improves diabetic cardiomyopathy-induced cardiac remodeling by regulating GSDMD-mediated pyroptosis through MITOL/STING signaling

Diabetic cardiomyopathy (DCM) is a common complication of diabetes mellitus (DM). However, the mechanisms underlying DCM-induced cardiac injury remain unclear. Recently, the role of cyclic GMP-AMP synthase/stimulator of interferon gene (cGAS/STING) signaling and pyroptosis in DCM has been investigated. Based on our previous results, this study was designed to examine the impact of irisin, mitochondrial ubiquitin ligase (MITOL/MARCH5), and cGAS/STING signaling in DCM-induced cardiac dysfunction and the effect of gasdermin D (GSDMD)-dependent pyroptosis. High-fat diet-induced mice and H9c2 cells were used for cardiac geometry and function or pyroptosis-related biomarker assessment at the end of the experiments. Here, we show that DCM impairs cardiac function by increasing cardiac fibrosis and GSDMD-dependent pyroptosis, including the activation of MITOL and cGAS/STING signaling. Our results confirmed that the protective role of irisin and MITOL was partially offset by the activation of cGAS/STING signaling. We also demonstrated that GSDMD-dependent pyroptosis plays a pivotal role in the pathological process of DCM pathogenesis. Our results indicate that irisin treatment protects against DCM injury, mitochondrial homeostasis, and pyroptosis through MITOL upregulation.

Chaiqin chengqi decoction alleviates acute pancreatitis by targeting gasdermin D-mediated pyroptosis

ETHNOPHARMACOLOGICAL RELEVANCE

Acute pancreatitis (AP) is an acute inflammatory condition of pancreas with high morbidity and mortality, which has no effective medical treatment. Chaiqin chengqi decoction (CQCQD) has been clinically used for AP for many years in China. However, the underlying mechanisms are still unknown.

AIM OF THE STUDY

To investigate the mechanism of CQCQD on gasdermin D (GSDMD) -mediated pyroptosis in AP.

MATERIALS AND METHODS

In this study, network pharmacology was used to screen the potential mechanism of CQCQD protecting against AP and then we focused to investigate the mechanism of CQCQD on GSDMD mediated pyroptosis. Mouse models of AP were conducted by caerulein and L-arginine. In order to clarify the mechanism of CQCQD, two kinds of GSDMD gene knockout mice (Gsdmd-/- and Pdx1creGsdmdfl/fl) were applied. And the potential interaction between the main components of CQCQD and GSDMD was explored by molecular docking.

RESULTS

In the caerulein-induced AP model, CQCQD ameliorated pancreatic pathological injury, attenuated systemic inflammation and serum enzymatic levers. Moreover, network pharmacology analysis showed GSDMD mediated pyroptosis was one of the core targets of CQCQD protecting against AP. Additionally, CQCQD appreciably decreased the levels of pyroptosis-related proteins N-terminal GSDMD, nucleotide-binding oligomerization domain-like receptor family pyrin domain containing 3, and cleaved Caspase-1. Furthermore, the protective effect of CQCQD was neutralized in Gsdmd-/- and Pdx1creGsdmdfl/fl mice in caerulein-induced AP. In addition, we found that CQCQD protects pancreatic tissue from damage and pancreatitis-associated lung injury in the L-arginine-induced mouse model. Moreover, all of the main components of CQCQD possessed binding activity with GSDMD by molecular docking. Seventeen components bound with the human GSDMD Cys191 successfully, which is important for GSDMD pore formation. Among the components, rhein possessed the highest binding activity.

CONCLUSION

CQCQD could reduce pancreatic necrosis and inflammatory response via inhibiting GSDMD-mediated pyroptosis in acinar cells of AP. Rhein may be the key active ingredient of CQCQD in suppressing pyroptosis.

Monitoring of Inflammasome Activation of Macrophages and Microglia In Vitro, Part 1: Cell Preparation and Inflammasome Stimulation

Inflammasomes are intracellular, multiprotein supercomplexes that mediate a post-translational inflammatory response to both pathogen and endogenous danger signals. They consist of a sensor, the adapter ASC, and the protease caspase 1 and, following their activation, lead to cl1β, as well as lytic cell death. Due to this potent inflammatory capacity, understanding inflammasome biology is important in many pathological conditions. It is increasingly clear that inflammasomes are particularly relevant in macrophages, which express a diverse range of inflammasome sensors. In these two chapters, we detail methods to isolate and differentiate human macrophages, murine bone marrow-derived macrophages, and murine microglia and stimulate the inflammasomes known to be expressed in macrophages, including the AIM2, NLRP3, NLRC4, NLRP1, and non-canonical inflammasomes. Furthermore, we describe the methodology required to measure the various results of inflammasome activation including ASC speck formation, monitoring lytic cell death and cytokine release, as well as caspase-1 activation.

Salmonella spvC gene suppresses macrophage/neutrophil antibacterial defense mediated by gasdermin D

OBJECTIVE

Salmonella enterica serovar Typhimurium (S. Typhimurium) is a representative model organism for investigating host-pathogen interactions. It was reported that S. Typhimurium spvC gene alleviated intestinal inflammation to aggravate systemic infection, while the precise mechanisms remain unclear. In this study, the influence of spvC on the antibacterial defense of macrophage/neutrophil mediated by gasdermin D (GSDMD) was investigated.

METHODS

Mouse macrophage-like cell lines J774A.1 and RAW264.7, neutrophil-like cells derived from HL-60 cells (human promyletic leukemia cell lines) were infected with S. Typhimurium wild type, spvC deletion and complemented strains. Cell death was evaluated by LDH release and Annexin V-FITC/PI staining. Macrophage pyroptosis and neutrophil NETosis were detected by western blotting, live cell imaging and ELISA. Flow cytometry was used to assess the impact of spvC on macrophage-neutrophil cooperation in macrophage (dTHP-1)-neutrophil (dHL-60) co-culture model pretreated with GSDMD inhibitor disulfiram. Wild-type and Gsdmd-/- C57BL/6J mice were utilized for in vivo assay. The degree of phagocytes infiltration and inflammation were analyzed by immunofluorescence and transmission electron microscopy.

RESULTS

Here we find that spvC inhibits pyroptosis in macrophages via Caspase-1/Caspase-11 dependent canonical and non-canonical pathways, and restrains neutrophil extracellular traps extrusion in GSDMD-dependent manner. Moreover, spvC could ameliorate macrophages/neutrophils infiltration and cooperation in the inflammatory response mediated by GSDMD to combat Salmonella infection.

CONCLUSIONS

Our findings highlight the antibacterial activity of GSDMD in phagocytes and reveal a novel pathogenic mechanism employed by spvC to counteract this host defense, which may shed new light on designing effective therapeutics to control S. Typhimurium infection.

Gasdermin D activation in oligodendrocytes and microglia drives inflammatory demyelination in progressive multiple sclerosis

Neuroinflammation coupled with demyelination and neuro-axonal damage in the central nervous system (CNS) contribute to disease advancement in progressive multiple sclerosis (P-MS). Inflammasome activation accompanied by proteolytic cleavage of gasdermin D (GSDMD) results in cellular hyperactivation and lytic death. Using multiple experimental platforms, we investigated the actions of GSDMD within the CNS and its contributions to P-MS. Brain tissues from persons with P-MS showed significantly increased expression of GSDMD, NINJ1, IL-1β, and -18 within chronic active demyelinating lesions compared to MS normal appearing white matter and nonMS (control) white matter. Conditioned media (CM) from stimulated GSDMD+/+ human macrophages caused significantly greater cytotoxicity of oligodendroglial and neuronal cells, compared to CM from GSDMD-/- macrophages. Oligodendrocytes and CNS macrophages displayed increased Gsdmd immunoreactivity in the central corpus callosum (CCC) of cuprizone (CPZ)-exposed Gsdmd+/+ mice, associated with greater demyelination and reduced oligodendrocyte precursor cell proliferation, compared to CPZ-exposed Gsdmd-/- animals. CPZ-exposed Gsdmd+/+ mice exhibited significantly increased G-ratios and reduced axonal densities in the CCC compared to CPZ-exposed Gsdmd-/- mice. Proteomic analyses revealed increased brain complement C1q proteins and hexokinases in CPZ-exposed Gsdmd-/- animals. [18F]FDG PET imaging showed increased glucose metabolism in the hippocampus and whole brain with intact neurobehavioral performance in Gsdmd-/- animals after CPZ exposure. GSDMD activation in CNS macrophages and oligodendrocytes contributes to inflammatory demyelination and neuroaxonal injury, offering mechanistic and potential therapeutic insights into P-MS pathogenesis.

Inhibition of macrophage pyroptosis ameliorates silica-induced pulmonary fibrosis

Macrophage pyroptosis has recently been involved in some inflammatory and fibrosis diseases, however, the role of macrophage pyroptosis in silica-induced pulmonary fibrosis has not been fully elucidated. In this study, we explored the role of macrophage pyroptosis in silicosis in vivo and in vitro. A mouse model of silicosis was established and mice were sacrificed at 7, 14, and 28 days after exposure of silica. The results revealed that the expression of GSDMD and other pyroptosis-related indicators was up-regulated obviously at 14 days after silica exposure, indicating that silica induced pyroptosis in vivo. In vitro, human monocytic leukemia cells (THP-1) and human lung fibroblasts (MRC-5) were used to detect the relationship between macrophage pyroptosis and lung fibroblasts. It showed that silica increased the levels of GSDMD and other pyroptosis-related indicators remarkably in macrophages and the supernatant of macrophage stimulated by silica could promote the upregulation of fibrosis markers in fibroblasts. However, GSDMD knockdown suppressed silica-induced macrophage pyroptosis and alleviated the upregulation of fibrosis markers in fibroblasts, suggesting the important role of macrophage pyroptosis in the activation of myofibroblasts during the progression of silicosis. Taken together, it showed that silica could induce macrophage pyroptosis and inhibiting macrophage pyroptosis could be a feasible clinical strategy to alleviate silicosis.

Emodin attenuates cardiomyocyte pyroptosis in doxorubicin-induced cardiotoxicity by directly binding to GSDMD

BACKGROUND

Doxorubicin (Dox), which is an anticancer drug, has significant cardiac toxicity and side effects. Pyroptosis occurs during Dox-induced cardiotoxicity (DIC), and drug inhibition of this process is one therapeutic approach for treating DIC. Previous studies have indicated that emodin can reduce pyroptosis. However, the role of emodin in DIC and its molecular targets remain unknown.

HYPOTHESIS/PURPOSE

We aimed to clarify the protective role of emodin in mitigating DIC, as well as the mechanisms underlying this effect.

METHODS

The model of DIC was established via the intraperitoneal administration of Dox at a dosage of 5 mg/kg per week for a span of 4 weeks. Emodin at two different doses (10 and 20 mg/kg) or a vehicle was intragastrically administered to the mice once per day throughout the Dox treatment period. Cardiac function, myocardial injury markers, pathological morphology of the heart, level of pyroptosis and mitochondrial function were assessed. Protein microarray, biolayer interferometry and pull-down assays were used to confirm the target of emodin. Moreover, GSDMD-overexpressing plasmids were transfected into GSDMD-/- mice and HL-1 cells to further verify whether emodin suppressed GSDMD activation.

RESULTS

Emodin therapy markedly enhanced cardiac function and reduced cardiomyocyte pyroptosis in mice induced by Dox. Mechanistically, emodin binds to GSDMD and inhibits the activation of GSDMD by targeting the Trp415 and Leu290 residues. Moreover, emodin was able to mitigate Dox-induced cardiac dysfunction and myocardial injury in GSDMD-/- mice overexpressing GSDMD, as shown by increased EF and FS, decreased serum levels of CK-MB, LDH and IL-1β and mitigated cell death and cell morphological disorder. Additionally, emodin treatment significantly reduced GSDMD-N expression and plasma membrane disruption in HL-1 cells overexpressing GSDMD induced by Dox. In addition, emodin reduced mitochondrial damage by alleviating Dox-induced GSDMD perforation in the mitochondrial membrane.

CONCLUSION

Emodin has the potential to attenuate DIC by directly binding to GSDMD to inhibit pyroptosis. Emodin may become a promising drug for prevention and treatment of DIC.

Gasdermin D-Mediated Pyroptosis in Diabetic Cardiomyopathy: Molecular Mechanisms and Pharmacological Implications

Diabetic cardiomyopathy (DCM) is a pathophysiological condition triggered by diabetes mellitus (DM), which can lead to heart failure (HF). One of the most important cellular processes associated with DCM is the death of cardiomyocytes. Gasdermin D (GSDMD) plays a key role in mediating pyroptosis, a type of programmed cell death closely associated with inflammasome activation. Recent studies have revealed that pyroptosis is induced during hyperglycemia, which is crucial to the development of DCM. Although the effects of pyroptosis on DCM have been discussed, the relationship between DCM and GSDMD is not fully clarified. Recent studies gave us the impetus for clarifying the meaning of GSDMD in DCM. The purpose of this review is to summarize new and emerging insights, mainly discussing the structures of GSDMD and the mechanism of pore formation, activation pathways, molecular mechanisms of GSDMD-mediated pyroptosis, and the therapeutic potential of GSDMD in DCM. The implications of this review will pave the way for a new therapeutic target in DCM.

The noncanonical inflammasome-induced pyroptosis and septic shock

Sepsis remains one of the most common and lethal conditions globally. Currently, no proposed target specific to sepsis improves survival in clinical trials. Thus, an in-depth understanding of the pathogenesis of sepsis is needed to propel the discovery of effective treatment. Recently attention to sepsis has intensified because of a growing recognition of a non-canonical inflammasome-triggered lytic mode of cell death termed pyroptosis upon sensing cytosolic lipopolysaccharide (LPS). Although the consequences of activation of the canonical and non-canonical inflammasome are similar, the non-canonical inflammasome formation requires caspase-4/5/11, which enzymatically cleave the pore-forming protein gasdermin D (GSDMD) and thereby cause pyroptosis. The non-canonical inflammasome assembly triggers such inflammatory cell death by itself; or leverages a secondary activation of the canonical NLRP3 inflammasome pathway. Excessive cell death induced by oligomerization of GSDMD and NINJ1 leads to cytokine release and massive tissue damage, facilitating devastating consequences and death. This review summarized the updated mechanisms that initiate and regulate non-canonical inflammasome activation and pyroptosis and highlighted various endogenous or synthetic molecules as potential therapeutic targets for treating sepsis.

Chemical modulation of gasdermin D activity: Therapeutic implications and consequences

The gasdermin family of proteins are central effectors of the inflammatory, lytic cell death modality known as pyroptosis. Characterized in 2015, the most well-studied member gasdermin D can be proteolyzed, typically by caspases, to generate an active pore-forming N-terminal domain. At least well-studied three pharmacological inhibitors (necrosulfonamide, disulfiram, dimethyl fumarate) since 2018 have been shown to affect gasdermin D activity either through modulation of processing or interference with pore formation. A multitude of murine in vivo studies have since followed. Here, we discuss the current state of research surrounding these three inhibitors, caveats to their use, and a set of guiding principles that researchers should consider when pursuing further studies of gasdermin D inhibition.

The 'speck'-tacular oversight of the NLRP3-pyroptosis pathway on gastrointestinal inflammatory diseases and tumorigenesis

The NLRP3 inflammasome is an intracellular sensor and an essential component of the innate immune system involved in danger recognition. An important hallmark of inflammasome activation is the formation of a single supramolecular punctum, known as a speck, per cell, which is the site where the pro-inflammatory cytokines IL-1β and IL-18 are converted into their bioactive form. Speck also provides the platform for gasdermin D protein activation, whose N-terminus domain perforates the plasma membrane, allowing the release of mature cytokines alongside with a highly inflammatory form of cell death, namely pyroptosis. Although controlled NLRP3 inflammasome-pyroptosis pathway activation preserves mucosal immunity homeostasis and contributes to host defense, a prolonged trigger is deleterious and could lead, in genetically predisposed subjects, to the onset of inflammatory bowel disease, including Crohn's disease and ulcerative colitis, as well as to gastrointestinal cancer. Experimental evidence shows that the NLRP3 inflammasome has both protective and pathogenic abilities. In this review we highlight the impact of the NLRP3-pyroptosis axis on the pathophysiology of the gastrointestinal tract at molecular level, focusing on newly discovered features bearing pro- and anti-inflammatory and neoplastic activity, and on targeted therapies tested in preclinical and clinical trials.

Impairing Gasdermin D-mediated pyroptosis is protective against retinal degeneration

BACKGROUND

Inflammasome activation and the subsequent release of pro-inflammatory cytokines including Interleukin 1β (IL-1β) have been widely reported to contribute to the progression of retinal degenerations, including age-related macular degeneration (AMD), the leading cause of blindness in the Western World. The role of Gasdermin D (GSDMD), a key executioner of pyroptosis following inflammasome activation, however, is less well-established. In this study we aimed to characterise the role of GSDMD in the healthy and degenerating retina, and uncover its role as a conduit for IL-1β release, including via extracellular vesicle (EV)-mediated release.

METHODS

GSDMD mutant and knockout mice, in vitro models of inflammation and a well-established in vivo model of retinal degeneration (photo-oxidative damage; PD) were utilised to explore the role and pathological contribution of GSDMD in regulating IL-1β release and propagating retinal inflammation. RNA sequencing of whole retinas was used to investigate GSDMD-mediated inflammation during degeneration. The role of EVs in GSDMD-mediated IL-1β release was investigated using nanoparticle tracking analysis, ELISA and EV inhibition paradigms. Finally, the therapeutic efficacy of targeting GSDMD was examined using GSDMD-specific siRNA.

RESULTS

We identified in this work that mice deficient in GSDMD had better-preserved retinal function, increased photoreceptor survivability and reduced inflammation. RNA-Seq analysis revealed that GSDMD may propagate inflammation in the retina via NF-κB signalling cascades and release of pro-inflammatory cytokines. We also showed that IL-1β was packaged and released via EV in a GSDMD-dependent manner. Finally, we demonstrated that impairing GSDMD function using RNAi or blocking EV release was able to reduce IL-1β content in cell-free supernatant and EV.

CONCLUSIONS

Taken together, these results suggest that pyroptotic pore-forming protein GSDMD plays a key role in the propagation of retinal inflammation, in particular via the release of EV-encapsulated IL-1β. Targeting GSDMD using genetic or pharmacological inhibitors may pose a therapeutic opportunity to dampen inflammatory cascades and delay the progression of retinal degeneration.

Novel GSDMD inhibitor GI-Y1 protects heart against pyroptosis and ischemia/reperfusion injury by blocking pyroptotic pore formation

Activation of gasdermin D (GSDMD) and its concomitant cardiomyocyte pyroptosis are critically involved in multiple cardiac pathological conditions. Pharmacological inhibition or gene knockout of GSDMD could protect cardiomyocyte from pyroptosis and dysfunction. Thus, seeking and developing highly potent GSDMD inhibitors probably provide an attractive strategy for treating diseases targeting GSDMD. Through structure-based virtual screening, pharmacological screening and subsequent pharmacological validations, we preliminarily identified GSDMD inhibitor Y1 (GI-Y1) as a selective GSDMD inhibitor with cardioprotective effects. Mechanistically, GI-Y1 binds to GSDMD and inhibits lipid- binding and pyroptotic pore formation of GSDMD-N by targeting the Arg7 residue. Importantly, we confirmed the cardioprotective effect of GI-Y1 on myocardial I/R injury and cardiac remodeling by targeting GSDMD. More extensively, GI-Y1 also inhibited the mitochondrial binding of GSDMD-N and its concomitant mitochondrial dysfunction. The findings of this study identified a new drug (GI-Y1) for the treatment of cardiac disorders by targeting GSDMD, and provide a new tool compound for pyroptosis research.

Dopamine Activates the D1R-Zn2+ Signaling Pathway to Trigger Inflammatory Response in Primary-Cultured Rat Embryonic Cortical Neurons

Neuroinflammation is an early event during the pathogenesis of neurodegenerative disorders. Most studies focus on how the factors derived from pathogens or tissue damage activate the inflammation-pyroptosis cell death pathway. It is unclear whether endogenous neurotransmitters could induce inflammatory responses in neurons. Our previous reports have shown that dopamine-induced elevation of intracellular Zn2+ concentration via the D1-like receptor (D1R) is a prerequisite for autophagy and cell death in primary cultured rat embryonic neurons. Here we further examined that this D1R-Zn2+ signaling initiates the transient inflammatory response leading to cell death in cultured cortical neurons. Pretreating the cultured neurons with Zn2+ chelator and inhibitors against inflammation could enhance the cell viability in neurons treated with dopamine and dihydrexidine, an agonist of D1R. Both dopamine and dihydrexidine greatly enhanced inflammasome formation; a Zn2+ chelator, N,N,N',N'-tetrakis(2-pyridinylmethyl)-1,2-ethanediamine, suppressed this increment. Dopamine and dihydrexidine increased the expression levels of NOD-like receptor pyrin domain-containing protein 3 and enhanced the maturation of caspase-1, gasdermin D, and IL-1β; these changes were all Zn2+-dependent. Dopamine treatment did not recruit the N-terminal of the gasdermin D to the plasma membrane but enhanced its localization to the autophagosomes. Pretreating the neurons with IL-1β could increase the viability of neurons challenged with dopamine. These results demonstrate a novel D1R-Zn2+ signaling cascade activating neuroinflammation and cell death. Therefore, maintaining a balance between dopamine homeostasis and inflammatory responses is an important therapeutic target for neurodegeneration. Dopamine elicits transient inflammatory responses in cultured cortical neurons via the D1R-Zn2+ signaling pathway. Dopamine elevates [Zn2+]i to induce the formation of inflammasomes, which activates caspase-1, resulting in the maturation of IL-1β and gasdermin D (GSDMD). Therefore, the homeostasis of dopamine and Zn2+ are critical therapeutic targets for inflammation-derived neurodegeneration.

Chemical screening links disulfiram with cardiac protection after ischemic injury

Ischemia-reperfusion injury occurs after reperfusion treatment for patients suffering myocardial infarction, however the underlying mechanisms are incompletely understood and effective pharmacological interventions are limited. Here, we report the identification and characterization of the FDA-approved drug disulfiram (DSF) as a cardioprotective compound. By applying high-throughput chemical screening, we found that DSF decreased H₂O₂-induced cardiomyocyte death by inhibiting Gasdermin D, but not ALDH1, in cardiomyocytes. Oral gavage of DSF decreased myocardial infarct size and improved heart function after myocardial ischemia-reperfusion injury in rats. Therefore, this work reveals DSF as a potential therapeutic compound for the treatment of ischemic heart disease.

Serum Biomarkers of a Pro-Neuroinflammatory State May Define the Pre-Operative Risk for Postoperative Delirium in Spine Surgery

Advances in spine surgery enable technically safe interventions in older patients with disabling spine disease, yet postoperative delirium (POD) poses a serious risk for postoperative recovery. This study investigates biomarkers of pro-neuroinflammatory states that may help objectively define the pre-operative risk for POD. This study enrolled patients aged ≥60 scheduled for elective spine surgery under general anesthesia. Biomarkers for a pro-neuroinflammatory state included S100 calcium-binding protein β (S100β), brain-derived neurotrophic factor (BDNF), Gasdermin D, and the soluble ectodomain of the triggering receptor expressed on myeloid cells 2 (sTREM2). Postoperative changes of Interleukin-6 (IL-6), Interleukin-1β (IL-1β), and C-reactive protein (CRP) were assessed as markers of systemic inflammation preoperatively, intraoperatively, and early postoperatively (up to 48 h). Patients with POD (n = 19, 75.7 ± 5.8 years) had higher pre-operative levels of sTREM2 (128.2 ± 69.4 pg/mL vs. 97.2 ± 52.0 pg/mL, p = 0.049) and Gasdermin D (2.9 ± 1.6 pg/mL vs. 2.1 ± 1.4 pg/mL, p = 0.29) than those without POD (n = 25, 75.6 ± 5.1 years). STREM2 was additionally a predictor for POD (OR = 1.01/(pg/mL) [1.00-1.03], p = 0.05), moderated by IL-6 (Wald-χ² = 4.06, p = 0.04). Patients with POD additionally showed a significant increase in IL-6, IL-1β, and S100β levels on the first postoperative day. This study identified higher levels of sTREM2 and Gasdermin D as potential markers of a pro-neuroinflammatory state that predisposes to the development of POD. Future studies should confirm these results in a larger cohort and determine their potential as an objective biomarker to inform delirium prevention strategies.

Lymphocyte infiltration and antitumoral effect promoted by cytotoxic inflammatory proteins formulated as self-assembling, protein-only nanoparticles

Two human proteins involved in the inflammatory cell death, namely Gasdermin D (GSDMD) and the Mixed Lineage Kinase Domain-Like (MLKL) protein have been engineered to accommodate an efficient ligand of the tumoral cell marker CXCR4, and a set of additional peptide agents that allow their spontaneous self-assembling. Upon production in bacterial cells and further purification, both proteins organized as stable nanoparticles of 46 and 54 nm respectively, that show, in this form, a moderate but dose-dependent cytotoxicity in cell culture. In vivo, and when administered in mouse models of colorectal cancer through repeated doses, the nanoscale forms of tumor-targeted GSDMD and, at a lesser extent, of MLKL promoted CD8⁺ and CD20⁺ lymphocyte infiltration in the tumor and an important reduction of tumor size, in absence of systemic toxicity. The potential of these novel pharmacological agents as anticancer drugs is discussed in the context of synergistic approaches to more effective cancer treatments.

Gasdermin D affects aortic vascular smooth muscle cell pyroptosis and Ang II-induced vascular remodeling

Vascular smooth muscle cells (VSMCs) are primarily responsible for vasoconstriction and the regulation of blood pressure1. Pyroptosis, a particular form of regulated cell death, is involved in multiple vascular injuries, including hypertensive vascular dysfunction. This pyroptotic cell death is mediated by the pore-forming protein of Gasdermin D (GSDMD). This study was designed to examine the direct effect of GSDMD on smooth muscle cell pyroptosis and vascular remodeling. Findings revealed that GSDMD was activated in Angiotensin (Ang) II- treated aortas. We then showed that genetic deletion of Gsdmd reduced vascular remodeling and aorta pyroptosis induced by Ang II in vivo. Aberrant expression of GSDMD by recombinant AAV9 virus carrying Gsdmd cDNA aggravated the level of pyroptosis in aortas of Ang II mice. Gain- and loss-of- function analysis further confirmed that GSDMD regulated the pyroptosis of murine aortic vascular smooth muscle cells (MOVAS) in an in vitro model of tumor necrosis factor (TNF)-α treatment, which was achieved by transfecting expressing plasmid or siRNA, respectively. Overall, this study provided evidence supporting the active involvement of GSDMD in smooth muscle cell pyroptosis and Ang II-induced mice vascular injury. This finding lends credence to GSDMD as a potential therapeutic target for hypertensive vascular remodeling via inhibiting pyroptosis.

Fibroblast growth factor 21 attenuates ventilator-induced lung injury by inhibiting the NLRP3/caspase-1/GSDMD pyroptotic pathway

BACKGROUND

Ventilator-induced lung injury (VILI) is caused by overdistension of the alveoli by the repetitive recruitment and derecruitment of alveolar units. This study aims to investigate the potential role and mechanism of fibroblast growth factor 21 (FGF21), a metabolic regulator secreted by the liver, in VILI development.

METHODS

Serum FGF21 concentrations were determined in patients undergoing mechanical ventilation during general anesthesia and in a mouse VILI model. Lung injury was compared between FGF21-knockout (KO) mice and wild-type (WT) mice. Recombinant FGF21 was administrated in vivo and in vitro to determine its therapeutic effect.

RESULTS

Serum FGF21 levels in patients and mice with VILI were significantly higher than in those without VILI. Additionally, the increment of serum FGF21 in anesthesia patients was positively correlated with the duration of ventilation. VILI was aggravated in FGF21-KO mice compared with WT mice. Conversely, the administration of FGF21 alleviated VILI in both mouse and cell models. FGF21 reduced Caspase-1 activity, suppressed the mRNA levels of Nlrp3, Asc, Il-1β, Il-18, Hmgb1 and Nf-κb, and decreased the protein levels of NLRP3, ASC, IL-1β, IL-18, HMGB1 and the cleaved form of GSDMD.

CONCLUSIONS

Our findings reveal that endogenous FGF21 signaling is triggered in response to VILI, which protects against VILI by inhibiting the NLRP3/Caspase-1/GSDMD pyroptosis pathway. These results suggest that boosting endogenous FGF21 or the administration of recombinant FGF21 could be promising therapeutic strategies for the treatment of VILI during anesthesia or critical care.

Inhibition of TRAF6 improves hyperlipidemic acute pancreatitis by alleviating pyroptosis in vitro and in vivo rat models

OBJECTIVE

Hypertriglyceridemia (HTG) is one of the common causes of acute pancreatitis (AP). Hyperlipidemic acute pancreatitis (HTG-AP) is associated with higher mortality owing to its tendency for greater severity and rapid progression. The purpose of this study was to explore the mechanism of involvement of tumor necrosis factor receptor-related factor 6 (TRAF6) in pyroptosis during HTG-AP.

METHODS

The HTG environment was simulated with palmitic acid treatment in vitro and a high-fat diet in vivo. Cerulein was used to establish the HTG-AP model, followed by genetic and pharmacological inhibition of TRAF6. Pyroptosis activation, inflammatory reaction, and the interaction between TRAF6 and pyroptosis in HTG-AP were assessed.

RESULTS

HTG was found to aggravate the development of pancreatitis, accompanied by increased pyroptosis and enhanced inflammatory response in HTG-AP models. Mechanistically, TRAF6 downregulation decreased the activation of pyroptosis in cerulein-induced HTG-AP.

CONCLUSION

Collectively, inhibition of TRAF6 improved HTG-AP and the associated inflammation by alleviating pyroptosis.

Maternal Western diet mediates susceptibility of offspring to Crohn's-like colitis by deoxycholate generation

BACKGROUND

The Western dietary pattern, characterized by high consumption of fats and sugars, has been strongly associated with an increased risk of developing Crohn's disease (CD). However, the potential impact of maternal obesity or prenatal exposure to a Western diet on offspring's susceptibility to CD remains unclear. Herein, we investigated the effects and underlying mechanisms of a maternal high-fat/high-sugar Western-style diet (WD) on offspring's susceptibility to 2,4,6-Trinitrobenzenesulfonic acid (TNBS)-induced Crohn's-like colitis.

METHODS

Maternal dams were fed either a WD or a normal control diet (ND) for eight weeks prior to mating and continued throughout gestation and lactation. Post-weaning, the offspring were subjected to WD and ND to create four groups: ND-born offspring fed a normal diet (N-N) or Western diet (N-W), and WD-born offspring fed a normal (W-N) or Western diet (W-W). At eight weeks of age, they were administered TNBS to induce a CD model.

RESULTS

Our findings revealed that the W-N group exhibited more severe intestinal inflammation than the N-N group, as demonstrated by a lower survival rate, increased weight loss, and a shorter colon length. The W-N group displayed a significant increase in Bacteroidetes, which was accompanied by an accumulation of deoxycholic acid (DCA). Further experimentation confirmed an increased generation of DCA in mice colonized with gut microbes from the W-N group. Moreover, DCA administration aggravated TNBS-induced colitis by promoting Gasdermin D (GSDMD)-mediated pyroptosis and IL-1beta (IL-1β) production in macrophages. Importantly, the deletion of GSDMD effectively restrains the effect of DCA on TNBS-induced colitis.

CONCLUSIONS

Our study demonstrates that a maternal Western-style diet can alter gut microbiota composition and bile acid metabolism in mouse offspring, leading to an increased susceptibility to CD-like colitis. These findings highlight the importance of understanding the long-term consequences of maternal diet on offspring health and may have implications for the prevention and management of Crohn's disease. Video Abstract.

Inhibition of Gasdermin D blocks the formation of NETs and protects acute pancreatitis in mice

The persistent activation of neutrophils and the excessive neutrophil extracellular traps (NETs) formation are the main determinants of pancreatic tissue injury and systemic inflammatory response in acute pancreatitis (AP). Thus, inhibiting the release of NETs can effectively prevent the aggravation of AP. Here, our study showed that the pore-forming protein gasdermin D (GSDMD) was activity in neutrophils of AP mice and patients and played the vital role in NETs formation. Through the application of GSDMD inhibitor or the construction of neutrophil GSDMD specific knockout mice, it was found in vivo and in vitro that inhibition of GSDMD could block the NETs formation, reduce pancreatic injury, systemic inflammatory reaction and organ failure in AP mice. To sum up, our findings confirmed that neutrophil GSDMD was the therapeutic target for improving the occurrence and development of AP.

Gasdermin D promotes influenza virus-induced mortality through neutrophil amplification of inflammation

Influenza virus activates cellular inflammasome pathways, which can be either beneficial or detrimental to infection outcomes. Here, we investigated the role of the inflammasome-activated pore-forming protein gasdermin D (GSDMD) during infection. Ablation of GSDMD in knockout (KO) mice significantly attenuated virus-induced weight loss, lung dysfunction, lung histopathology, and mortality compared with wild type (WT) mice, despite similar viral loads. Infected GSDMD KO mice exhibited decreased inflammatory gene signatures revealed by lung transcriptomics, which also implicated a diminished neutrophil response. Importantly, neutrophil depletion in infected WT mice recapitulated the reduced mortality and lung inflammation observed in GSDMD KO animals, while having no additional protective effects in GSDMD KOs. These findings reveal a new function for GSDMD in promoting lung neutrophil responses that amplify influenza virus-induced inflammation and pathogenesis. Targeting the GSDMD/neutrophil axis may provide a new therapeutic avenue for treating severe influenza.

Role of heat shock protein 90 as an antiviral target for swine enteric coronaviruses

A variety of swine enteric coronaviruses (SECoVs) have emerged and are prevalent in pig populations, including porcine epidemic diarrhea virus (PEDV), transmissible gastroenteritis virus (TGEV), porcine deltacoronavirus (PDCoV), and swine acute diarrhea syndrome (SADS)-CoV, a newly identified bat-origin CoV with zoonotic potential. Unfortunately, available traditional, inactivated and attenuated SECoV vaccines are of limited efficacy against the variants currently circulating in most pig populations. In this study, we evaluated the role of host factor heat shock protein 90 (Hsp90) as an antiviral target against SECoVs, exemplified by SADS-CoV. Pharmacological inhibition of Hsp90 diminished SADS-CoV replication significantly in porcine and human cell lines, and also decreased replication of SADS-CoV in a porcine intestinal enteroid model. Further mechanistic experiments revealed that both porcine and human isoforms of Hsp90 interact with the SADS-CoV nucleocapsid (N) protein, and inhibition of Hsp90 resulted in autophagic degradation of N protein. Moreover, we linked Hsp90 to virus-induced cellular pyroptosis, as SADS-CoV was found to trigger caspase-1/gasdermin-D-mediated pyroptotic cell death, which was mitigated by inhibition of Hsp90. Finally, we demonstrated that Hsp90 also associated with N proteins and was involved in propagation of PEDV, PDCoV and TGEV. This study thus extends our understanding of immune responses to SADS-CoV infection and offers a new potential therapeutic option against four SECoVs.

Caspase-8-driven apoptotic and pyroptotic crosstalk causes cell death and IL-1β release in X-linked inhibitor of apoptosis (XIAP) deficiency

Genetic lesions in X-linked inhibitor of apoptosis (XIAP) pre-dispose humans to cell death-associated inflammatory diseases, although the underlying mechanisms remain unclear. Here, we report that two patients with XIAP deficiency-associated inflammatory bowel disease display increased inflammatory IL-1β maturation as well as cell death-associated caspase-8 and Gasdermin D (GSDMD) processing in diseased tissue, which is reduced upon patient treatment. Loss of XIAP leads to caspase-8-driven cell death and bioactive IL-1β release that is only abrogated by combined deletion of the apoptotic and pyroptotic cell death machinery. Namely, extrinsic apoptotic caspase-8 promotes pyroptotic GSDMD processing that kills macrophages lacking both inflammasome and apoptosis signalling components (caspase-1, -3, -7, -11 and BID), while caspase-8 can still cause cell death in the absence of both GSDMD and GSDME when caspase-3 and caspase-7 are present. Neither caspase-3 and caspase-7-mediated activation of the pannexin-1 channel, or GSDMD loss, prevented NLRP3 inflammasome assembly and consequent caspase-1 and IL-1β maturation downstream of XIAP inhibition and caspase-8 activation, even though the pannexin-1 channel was required for NLRP3 triggering upon mitochondrial apoptosis. These findings uncouple the mechanisms of cell death and NLRP3 activation resulting from extrinsic and intrinsic apoptosis signalling, reveal how XIAP loss can co-opt dual cell death programs, and uncover strategies for targeting the cell death and inflammatory pathways that result from XIAP deficiency.

Dietary tryptophan supplementation enhances mitochondrial function and reduces pyroptosis in the spleen and thymus of piglets after lipopolysaccharide challenge

The thymus and spleen, the main reservoirs for T lymphocytes, modulate the innate immune response. Oxidative stress, excessive inflammation and abnormal pyroptosis can cause dysfunction of these organs. This study aimed to examine whether tryptophan supplementation can improve growth performance and mitochondrial function via the adenosine 5'-monophosphate-activated protein kinase (AMPK)/sirtuin1 (Sirt1)/peroxisome proliferator-activated receptor-γ coactivator-1α (PGC1α) signalling pathway and decrease pyroptosis via the nucleotidebinding oligomerisation domain-like receptor protein 3 (NLRP3)/caspase-1/gasderminD (GSDMD) signalling pathway in the spleen and thymus of piglets after lipopolysaccharide (LPS) challenge. Eighteen weaned piglets were allotted to three treatment groups: non-challenged control, LPS-challenged control and LPS + 0.2% tryptophan. On day 35, the pigs in the LPS and LPS + 0.2% tryptophan groups were injected with 100 μg/kg BW LPS, whereas those in the control group were administered with sterile saline. At 4 h postchallenge, the weaned piglets were sacrificed, and their thymuses and spleens were collected. Results showed that tryptophan enhanced growth performance and antioxidant status by increasing catalase, glutathione peroxidase and total superoxide dismutase activities and decreasing malondialdehyde and reactive oxygen species contents. Tryptophan also reduced the mRNA levels of proinflammatory cytokine genes and enhanced mitochondrial function by increasing the mRNA levels of mitochondrial transcription factor A, nuclear respiratory factor-1, mitochondria transcription factor B1, AMPKα1, AMPKα2, Sirt1 and PGC1α and the protein expression of phosphorylated AMPK, Sirt1 and PGC1α. It also reduced pyroptosis by decreasing the mRNA levels of NLRP3, apoptosis-associated speck-like protein containing CARD, caspase-1 and GSDMD and the protein expression of NLRP3, caspase-1 and GSDMD. These results indicate that tryptophan supplementation enhances growth performance and mitochondrial function via the AMPK/Sirt1/PGC1α signalling pathway and decreases pyroptosis via the NLRP3/caspase-1/GSDMD signalling pathway in the spleen and thymus of LPS-challenged piglets.

Pentoxifylline and thiamine ameliorate rhabdomyolysis-induced acute kidney injury in rats via suppressing TLR4/NF-κB and NLRP-3/caspase-1/gasdermin mediated-pyroptosis

Acute kidney injury (AKI) is a common complication of rhabdomyolysis (RM), a syndrome characterized by skeletal muscle damage resulting in renal tubular oxidative stress, inflammation, and activated toll like receptor-4 (TLR-4) and NOD-like receptor protein-3 (NLRP-3) inflammasome. Pyroptosis is a programmed cell death mediated by NLRP-3 leading to the activation of caspase-1 and gasdermin D (GSDMD), the hallmark of pyroptosis. This study aims to investigate the renoprotective effects of two antioxidants; pentoxifylline (PTX) and thiamine (TM) via targeting the aforementioned pathways. RM-AKI was induced in male Albino Wistar rats by intramuscular injection of glycerol (50% v/v, 10 ml/kg). PTX (100 mg/kg, oral) and TM (25 mg/kg, i.p) were administered for 12 days prior glycerol injection and continued for 3 days following induction of RM-AKI. Serum creatinine, blood urea nitrogen (BUN), creatin kinase, lipid peroxides, total antioxidant activity, inflammatory markers (tumor necrosis factor-α, interleukin-1β, and nuclear factor kappa B), TLR4, NLRP-3, caspase-1, GSDMD and c-myc (an apoptotic marker) were estimated. Compared to AKI model, co-administered drugs revealed a significant improvement in renal function and pathology as indicated by the reduction in serum creatinine, BUN and protein cast accumulation. The elevations of oxidative stress, and inflammatory markers as well as the over-expression of c-myc were alleviated. Protein levels of TLR4, NLRP3, cleaved caspase-1, and GSDMD were significantly elevated in RM-AKI model, and this elevation was attenuated by the tested drugs. In conclusion, PTX and TM could be a potential renoprotective approach for patients with RM through targeting TLR4/NF-κB and NLRP-3/caspase-1/gasdermin mediated-pyroptosis pathways.

Gasdermin D-mediated pyroptosis in myocardial ischemia and reperfusion injury: Cumulative evidence for future cardioprotective strategies

Cardiomyocyte death is one of the major mechanisms contributing to the development of myocardial infarction (MI) and myocardial ischemia/reperfusion (MI/R) injury. Due to the limited regenerative ability of cardiomyocytes, understanding the mechanisms of cardiomyocyte death is necessary. Pyroptosis, one of the regulated programmed cell death pathways, has recently been shown to play important roles in MI and MI/R injury. Pyroptosis is activated by damage-associated molecular patterns (DAMPs) that are released from damaged myocardial cells and activate the formation of an apoptosis-associated speck-like protein containing a CARD (ASC) interacting with NACHT, LRR, and PYD domains-containing protein 3 (NLRP3), resulting in caspase-1 cleavage which promotes the activation of Gasdermin D (GSDMD). This pathway is known as the canonical pathway. GSDMD has also been shown to be activated in a non-canonical pathway during MI and MI/R injury via caspase-4/5/11. Suppression of GSDMD has been shown to provide cardioprotection against MI and MI/R injury. Although the effects of MI or MI/R injury on pyroptosis have previously been discussed, knowledge concerning the roles of GSDMD in these settings remains limited. In this review, the evidence from in vitro, in vivo, and clinical studies focusing on cardiac GSDMD activation during MI and MI/R injury is comprehensively summarized and discussed. Implications from this review will help pave the way for a new therapeutic target in ischemic heart disease.

Analyzing Caspase-8-Dependent GSDMD Cleavage in Response to Yersinia Infection

Caspase-8 is best known to drive an immunologically silent form of cell death known as apoptosis. However, emerging studies revealed that upon pathogen inhibition of innate immune signalling, such as during Yersinia infection in myeloid cells, caspase-8 associates with RIPK1 and FADD to trigger a proinflammatory death-inducing complex. Under such conditions, caspase-8 cleaves the pore-forming protein gasdermin D (GSDMD) to trigger a lytic form of cell death, known as pyroptosis. Here, we describe our protocol to activate caspase-8-dependent GSDMD cleavage following Yersinia pseudotuberculosis infection in murine bone marrow-derived macrophages (BMDMs). Specifically, we describe protocols on harvesting and plating of BMDM, preparation of type 3 secretion system-inducing Yersinia, macrophage infection, lactate dehydrogenase (LDH) release assay, and Western blot analysis.

Biochemical Methods for Assessing Gasdermin D Inactivation in Macrophages

Gasdermin D is an essential mediator of pyroptosis. Under resting conditions gasdermin D is inactive in the cytosol. Following inflammasome activation, gasdermin D undergoes processing and oligomerization to create membrane pores and induce pyroptosis to release mature IL-1 and IL-18. Biochemical methods for the analysis of gasdermin D activation states are important for assessing gasdermin D function. Here we describe the biochemical methods for assessing gasdermin D processing and oligomerization and its inactivation using small molecule inhibitors.

Monitoring Calcium Fluxes and Lysosome Exocytosis During Pyroptosis

Inflammasome-mediated activation of inflammatory caspases (caspase-1, caspase-4, caspase-5, caspase-11) initiates a cascade of cellular events that lead to proinflammatory cell death, or pyroptosis. Proteolytic cleavage of gasdermin D results in the formation of transmembrane pores that allow the release of mature cytokines IL-1β and IL-18. Gasdermin pores also allow calcium influx through the plasma membrane, triggering the fusion of lysosomal compartments with the cell surface and release of their contents into the extracellular milieu in a process termed lysosome exocytosis. This chapter outlines methods for measuring calcium flux, lysosome exocytosis, and membrane disruption after inflammatory caspase activation.

Elevated circulating levels of gasdermin D are related to acute myocardial infarction and pyrogptosis

BACKGROUND

Acute myocardial infarction (AMI) is one of the leading contributors to morbidity and mortality worldwide, with a prevalence of nearly three million people, and more than one million deaths reported in the United States every year. Gasdermin D (GSDMD) is involved in the development of atherosclerosis as a key protein of proptosis. This study was designed to determine the potential relationship of GSDMD with AMI in Chinese patients.

METHODS

One hundred patients with AMI and 50 controls were consecutively enrolled in this prospective observational study. GSDMD expression levels and other clinical variables in peripheral blood mononuclear cells (PBMCs) were measured upon admission to the hospital. All patients were followed up for 360 days, and the endpoint was considered the occurrence of major adverse cardiovascular events (MACE).

RESULTS

GSDMD expression levels in the PBMCs of patients with AMI were significantly higher than those in the controls. Moreover, our analysis showed that GSDMD was an independent biomarker of AMI and had a promising diagnostic ability for it. Finally, the results suggested that high expression of GSDMD and diabetes increased the risk of MACE after AMI.

CONCLUSIONS

This study indicated that the GSDMD expression level in PBMCs was elevated in AMI patients and was closely associated with the pyroptosis of AMI.

Xuebijing injection inhibited neutrophil extracellular traps to reverse lung injury in sepsis mice via reducing Gasdermin D

The mortality of sepsis and septic shock remains high worldwide. Neutrophil extracellular traps (NETs) release is a major cause of organ failure and mortality in sepsis. Targeting Gasdermin D (GSDMD) can restrain NETs formation, which is promising for sepsis management. However, no medicine is identified without severe safety concerns for this purpose. Xuebijing injection (XBJ) has been demonstrated to alleviate the clinical symptoms of COVID-19 and sepsis patients, but there are not enough animal studies to reveal its mechanisms in depth. Therefore, we wondered whether XBJ relieved pulmonary damage in sepsis by suppressing NETs formation and adopted a clinically relevant polymicrobial infection model to test this hypothesis. Firstly, XBJ effectively reversed lung injury caused by sepsis and restrained neutrophils recruitment to lung by down-regulating proinflammatory chemokines, such as CSF-3, CXCL-2, and CXCR-2. Strikingly, we found that XBJ significantly reduced the expressions of NETs component proteins, including citrullinated histone H3 (CitH3), myeloperoxidase (MPO), and neutrophil elastase (NE). GSDMD contributes to the production of NETs in sepsis. Notably, XBJ exhibited a reduced effect on the expressions of GSDMD and its upstream regulators. Besides, we also revealed that XBJ reversed NETs formation by inhibiting the expressions of GSDMD-related genes. Collectively, we demonstrated XBJ protected against sepsis-induced lung injury by reversing GSDMD-related pathway to inhibit NETs formation.

The Gasdermin D N-terminal fragment acts as a negative feedback system to inhibit inflammasome-mediated activation of Caspase-1/11

Inflammatory pathways usually utilize negative feedback regulatory systems to prevent tissue damage arising from excessive inflammatory response. Whether such negative feedback mechanisms exist in inflammasome activation remains unknown. Gasdermin D (GSDMD) is the pyroptosis executioner of downstream inflammasome signaling. Here, we found that GSDMD, after its cleavage by caspase-1/11, utilizes its RFWK motif in the N-terminal β1-β2 loop to inhibit the activation of caspase-1/11 and downstream inflammation in a negative feedback manner. Furthermore, an RFWK motif-based peptide inhibitor can inhibit caspase-1/11 activation and its downstream substrates GSDMD and interleukin-1β cleavage, as well as lipopolysaccharide-induced sepsis in mice. Collectively, these findings provide a demonstration of the N-terminal fragment of GSDMD as a negative feedback regulator controlling inflammasome activation and a detailed delineation of the underlying inhibitory mechanism.

Serum gasdermin D levels are associated with the chest computed tomography findings and severity of COVID-19

BACKGROUND

The role of programmed cell death, especially pyroptosis and apoptosis, in unfavorable immune responses in COVID-19 remains to be elucidated.

METHODS

We conducted a cross-sectional analysis to investigate the association between the serum gasdermin D (GSDMD) levels, a pyroptotic marker, and caspase-cleaved cytokeratin 18 fragment (M30), an apoptotic marker, and the clinical status and abnormal chest computed tomography (CT) findings in patients with COVID-19.

RESULTS

In this study, 46 patients diagnosed with COVID-19 were divided into the following three groups according to the disease severity: mild to moderate group (n = 10), severe group (n = 14), and critical group (n = 22). The serum GSDMD levels were higher in the critical group than in the mild to moderate group (P = 0.016). In contrast, serum M30 levels were lower in the critical group than in the severe group (P = 0.048). Patients who required mechanical ventilation or died had higher serum GSDMD levels than those who did not (P = 0.007). Area of consolidation only and of ground glass opacity plus consolidation positively correlated with serum GSDMD levels (r = 0.56, P < 0.001 and r = 0.53, P < 0.001, respectively).

CONCLUSION

Higher serum GSDMD levels are associated with critical respiratory status and the consolidation area on chest CT in patients with COVID-19, suggesting that excessive activation of pyroptosis may affect the clinical manifestations in patients with COVID-19.

Gasdermin D is involved in switching from apoptosis to pyroptosis in TLR4-mediated renal tubular epithelial cells injury in diabetic kidney disease

BACKGROUND

Toll-like receptor 4 (TLR4) mediated pathway plays a pivotal role in promoting tubulointerstitial inflammation and contributes to the progression in type 2 diabetic kidney disease (T2DKD). As the first identified key pyroptosis executor, gasdermin D (GSDMD) is activated by caspases and might be the key protein to switch apoptosis to pyroptosis. It remains unclear that role of TLR4 on canonical pyroptosis pathway, and whether GSDMD is involved in switching from apoptosis to pyroptosis in the TLR4-related tubular injury in T2DKD.

METHODS

Immunohistochemistry staining was used to detect the expression of pyroptosis-related proteins in renal tissues of T2DKD patients. T2DKD models was induced in TLR4 knockout (TLR4^-/-) mice through a high-fat diet combined with streptozotocin. Pyroptosis (caspase-1, GSDMD, interleukin 18(IL-18), interleukin 1β(IL-1β)) and apoptosis levels (caspase-3, Bax and Bcl-2) were detected by Western blot. HK-2 cells were cultured under high-glucose (HG) conditions as an in vitro model and then challenged with a TLR4-specific antagonist (TAK-242). GSDMD small interfering RNA (siRNA) and overexpression plasmid were transfected into HK-2 cells to down- or up-regulate GSDMD. The pyroptosis and apoptosis rates were determined by flow cytometry.

RESULTS

The expression levels of caspase-1, GSDMD, IL-18 and IL-1β were increased in renal biopsy tissues of T2DKD patients and GSDMD expression was positively correlated with tubular injury. Silencing GSDMD attenuated HG-induced IL-18, IL-1β, FN and α-SMA, and reduced pyroptotic cells rate in HK-2 cells. Up-regulation of GSDMD inhibited HG-induced expression of Bax and cleaved caspase-3 and reduced apoptosis rate. TLR4 knockout alleviated tubular injury and interstitial macrophages infiltration, improved impaired renal dysfunction, and decreased the expressions of active N-terminal of GSDMD(GSDMD-N), cleaved caspase-1(cl-caspase-1) and cleaved caspase-3(cl-caspase-3) in T2DKD mice. TLR4 inhibition reduced HG-induced pyroptosis and apoptosis level in HK-2 cells, while GSDMD up-regulation increased pyroptosis rate and decreased apoptosis rate.

CONCLUSIONS

TLR4 could exacerbate tubular injury and fibrosis via GSDMD-mediated canonical pyroptosis pathway in T2DKD. Activation of GSDMD could inhibit apoptosis and activate pyroptosis, which may involve the potential switch mechanism between TLR4-mediated pyroptosis and apoptosis in T2DKD.

The escape of Candida albicans from macrophages is enabled by the fungal toxin candidalysin and two host cell death pathways

The egress of Candida hyphae from macrophages facilitates immune evasion, but it also alerts macrophages to infection and triggers inflammation. To better define the mechanisms, here we develop an imaging assay to directly and dynamically quantify hyphal escape and correlate it to macrophage responses. The assay reveals that Candida escapes by using two pore-forming proteins to permeabilize macrophage membranes: the fungal toxin candidalysin and Nlrp3 inflammasome-activated Gasdermin D. Candidalysin plays a major role in escape, with Nlrp3 and Gasdermin D-dependent and -independent contributions. The inactivation of Nlrp3 does not reduce hyphal escape, and we identify ETosis via macrophage extracellular trap formation as an additional pathway facilitating hyphal escape. Suppressing hyphal escape does not reduce fungal loads, but it does reduce inflammatory activation. Our findings explain how Candida escapes from macrophages by using three strategies: permeabilizing macrophage membranes via candidalysin and engaging two host cell death pathways, Gasdermin D-mediated pyroptosis and ETosis.

Review: the role of GSDMD in sepsis

Purpose

Gasdermin D (GSDMD) is a cytoplasmic protein that is encoded by the gasdermin family GSDMD gene and is the ultimate executor of pyroptosis. Pyroptosis is a mode of lysis and inflammation that regulates cell death, ultimately leading to cell swelling and rupture. In sepsis, a dysregulated host response to infection frequently results in hyperinflammatory responses and immunosuppression, eventually leading to multiple organ dysfunction. Pyroptosis regulates innate immune defenses and plays an important role in the process of inflammatory cell death, and the absence of any link in the entire pathway from GSDMD to pyroptosis causes bacterial clearance to be hampered. Under normal conditions, the process of pyroptosis occurs much faster than apoptosis, and the threat to the body is also much greater.

Materials and methods

We conducted a systematic review of relevant reviews and experimental articles using the keywords sepsis, Gasdermin D, and Pyroptosis in the PubMed, Scopus, Google Scholar, and Web of Science databases.

Conclusion

Combined with the pathogenesis of sepsis, it is not difficult to find that pyroptosis plays a key role in bacterial inflammation and sepsis. Therefore, GSDMD inhibitors may be used as targeted drugs to treat sepsis by reducing the occurrence of pyroptosis. This review mainly discusses the key role of GSDMD in sepsis.

Irisin attenuates sepsis-induced cardiac dysfunction by attenuating inflammation-induced pyroptosis through a mitochondrial ubiquitin ligase-dependent mechanism

Sepsis-induced cardiac dysfunction is a leading cause of mortality in intensive care units. However, the molecular mechanisms underlying septic cardiomyopathy remain elusive. Irisin is a cleaved product of fibronectin type III domain-containing protein 5 (FNDC5) that protects the heart from ischemia/reperfusion injury through upregulation of mitochondrial ubiquitin ligase (MITOL). Gasdermin D (GSDMD)-dependent pyroptosis plays a pivotal role in septic cardiomyopathy by regulating mitochondrial homeostasis. However, whether irisin can regulate MITOL to inhibit GSDMD-dependent pyroptosis in septic cardiomyopathy is yet to be investigated. Thus, this study was designed to explore the role of irisin in septic cardiomyopathy and its underlying molecular mechanisms. Our results demonstrate that irisin improves cardiac function against sepsis-induced cardiac dysfunction by reducing cardiac inflammation and myocardial pyroptosis. Using MITOL siRNA in vitro, the results revealed that the protective role of irisin against lipopolysaccharide (LPS)-induced cell injury was mediated by MITOL activation and the resulting inhibition of GSDMD-dependent pyroptosis. Moreover, irisin alleviated LPS-induced H9c2 cell injury by suppressing IL-1β expression and reducing serum LDH and CK-MB concentrations in a MITOL/GSDMD-dependent manner. Collectively, our data suggest that irisin treatment ameliorates cardiac dysfunction in septic cardiomyopathy by activating MITOL and inhibiting GSDMD-dependent pyroptosis. These findings highlight the clinical relevance and therapeutic potential of irisin and MITOL for the management of sepsis-induced cardiac dysfunction.

Honokiol alleviates ulcerative colitis by targeting PPAR-γ-TLR4-NF-κB signaling and suppressing gasdermin-D-mediated pyroptosis in vivo and in vitro

Ulcerative colitis (UC) is a chronic, idiopathic relapsing inflammatory bowel disease. Honokiol is a major active component of the traditional Chinese medicinal herb Magnolia officinalis, which has been widely used in traditional prescriptions to treat tumors, inflammation, and gastrointestinal disorders. In this study, we investigated the ability of this polyphenolic compound to suppress UC in mice and the possible regulatory mechanism. A mouse model of UC induced with dextran sulfate sodium (DSS) in 40 male C57BL/6J mice was used for the in vivo study, and in vitro experiments were performed in mouse RAW264.7 macrophages. Lipopolysaccharide was used to induce the inflammatory response. The mouse bodyweights, stool consistency, and bleeding were determined and the disease activity indices calculated. RAW264.7 macrophages were cultured with or without either honokiol or lipopolysaccharide. Gene and protein expression was analyzed with RT-PCR and western blotting, respectively. GW6471 and GW9662 were used to interrupt the transcription of peroxisome proliferator activated receptor alpha (PPAR-α) and peroxisome proliferator activated receptor gamma (PPAR-γ). Both the in vivo and in vitro experimental results showed that the oral administration of honokiol markedly attenuated the severity of UC by reducing the inflammatory signals and restoring the integrity of the colon. Honokiol dramatically reduced the proinflammatory cytokines TNF-α, IL6, IL1β, and IFN-γ in mice with DSS-induced UC. It also upregulated PPAR-γ expression, and downregulated the TLR4-NF-κB signaling pathway. Moreover, honokiol inhibited gasdermin-D-mediated cell pyroptosis. These findings demonstrate for the first time that honokiol exerts a strong anti-inflammatory effect in a mouse model of UC, and that its underlying mechanism is associated with the activation of the PPAR-γ-TLR4-NF-κB signaling pathway and gasdermin-D-mediated macrophage pyroptosis. Therefore, honokiol may be a promising new drug for the clinical management of UC.