Abstract: Abstract：Pyroptosis is a pro-inflammatory form of programmed cell death, and which is dependent on the activity of the caspases acid-specific proteases. Coupling of the amino-terminal and carboxy-terminal linkers of gasdermin D (GSDMD) by caspases, the latter is displaced onto the membrane and perforated, inducing moisture penetration, cell swelling and release of inflammatory factors, which is followed by pyroptosis. The morphological features, occurrence and regulation mechanisms of pyroptosis are different from other cell death modes, such as apoptosis and necrosis. It is an important natural immune response in body and plays an important role in fighting infections and diseases. A more in-depth study of pyroptosis can recognize its role in related diseases and provide new therapeutic ideas for clinic treatment.

Key words: cysteine endopeptidases, cell death, review, pyroptosis, GSDMD, inflammatory body