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Updated: Aug 2, 2025
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Published on: May 21, 2018
NLRP3 inflammasome-induced pyroptosis in digestive system tumors
Jiexia Wen1, Bin Xuan2, Yang Liu2
1Department of Central Laboratory, The First Hospital of Qinhuangdao, Hebei Medical University, Qinhuangdao, Hebei, China.
Abstract:
Programmed cell death (PCD) refers to cell death in a manner that depends on specific genes encoding signals or activities. PCD includes apoptosis, pyroptosis, autophagy and necrosis (programmed necrosis). Among these mechanisms, pyroptosis is mediated by the gasdermin family and is accompanied by inflammatory and immune responses. When pathogens or other danger signals are detected, cytokine action and inflammasomes (cytoplasmic multiprotein complexes) lead to pyroptosis. The relationship between pyroptosis and cancer is complex and the effect of pyroptosis on cancer varies in different tissue and genetic backgrounds. On the one hand, pyroptosis can inhibit tumorigenesis and progression; on the other hand, pyroptosis, as a pro-inflammatory death, can promote tumor growth by creating a microenvironment suitable for tumor cell growth. Indeed, the NLRP3 inflammasome is known to mediate pyroptosis in digestive system tumors, such as gastric cancer, pancreatic ductal adenocarcinoma, gallbladder cancer, oral squamous cell carcinoma, esophageal squamous cell carcinoma, in which a pyroptosis-induced cellular inflammatory response inhibits tumor development. The same process occurs in hepatocellular carcinoma and some colorectal cancers. The current review summarizes mechanisms and pathways of pyroptosis, outlining the involvement of NLRP3 inflammasome-mediated pyroptosis in digestive system tumors.
Insights
Pyroptosis, a programmed cell death pathway involving gasdermins, plays a dual role in cancer. This review details how NLRP3 inflammasome-mediated pyroptosis impacts digestive system tumors.
Area of Science:
- Cellular biology
- Immunology
- Oncology
Background:
- Programmed cell death (PCD) encompasses various genetically controlled cell death forms, including apoptosis, pyroptosis, autophagy, and necrosis.
- Pyroptosis, driven by the gasdermin family, is characterized by inflammatory and immune responses, often triggered by inflammasomes and danger signals.
Purpose of the Study:
- To review the mechanisms and pathways of pyroptosis.
- To outline the involvement of NLRP3 inflammasome-mediated pyroptosis in digestive system tumors.
Main Methods:
- Literature review of programmed cell death mechanisms.
- Analysis of pyroptosis pathways, particularly inflammasome involvement.
- Focus on pyroptosis in various digestive system cancers.
Main Results:
- Pyroptosis exhibits a complex, context-dependent relationship with cancer, potentially inhibiting or promoting tumor growth.
- NLRP3 inflammasome-mediated pyroptosis is implicated in digestive system tumors like gastric, pancreatic, and esophageal cancers.
- Pyroptosis-induced inflammation can inhibit tumor development in specific digestive cancers.
Conclusions:
- Pyroptosis is a critical cell death pathway with significant implications for cancer biology.
- The NLRP3 inflammasome is a key mediator of pyroptosis in digestive system tumors, influencing their progression.
- Understanding pyroptosis mechanisms is crucial for developing novel cancer therapies.
