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Pyroptosis in Respiratory Virus Infections: A Narrative Review of Mechanisms, Pathophysiology, and Potential

Runqi Lin1, Barbara N Porto1,2

  • 1Department of Medical Microbiology and Infectious Diseases, Rady Faculty of Health Sciences, University of Manitoba, Winnipeg, MB R3E 0J9, Canada.

Microorganisms
|September 27, 2025
PubMed

Insights

Pyroptosis, an inflammatory cell death, is a key immune defense against respiratory viruses like SARS-CoV-2. However, excessive pyroptosis causes lung damage, necessitating therapeutic strategies.

Area of Science:

  • Immunology
  • Cell Biology
  • Virology

Background:

  • Pyroptosis is an inflammatory cell death mechanism crucial for innate immunity against pathogens.
  • Respiratory viruses like influenza, RSV, and SARS-CoV-2 can trigger pyroptosis via distinct pathways.
  • While beneficial for controlling viral replication, excessive pyroptosis leads to detrimental tissue damage, particularly in the lungs.

Purpose of the Study:

  • To review the pathophysiological role of pyroptosis in various respiratory viral infections.
  • To discuss current knowledge on how pyroptosis contributes to disease severity.
  • To explore experimental strategies for modulating pyroptosis to mitigate host damage.

Main Methods:

  • Literature review of recent studies on pyroptosis and respiratory viruses.
  • Analysis of mechanisms by which different viruses induce pyroptosis.
  • Examination of therapeutic approaches targeting pyroptosis.

Main Results:

  • Pyroptosis is a double-edged sword: essential for host defense but damaging when overactivated.
  • Specific respiratory viruses activate pyroptosis through unique molecular pathways.
  • Dysregulated pyroptosis contributes significantly to lung injury during viral infections.

Conclusions:

  • Understanding pyroptosis mechanisms in respiratory viral infections is vital for developing new treatments.
  • Targeting pyroptosis offers a potential therapeutic avenue to reduce morbidity and mortality.
  • Further research into pyroptosis regulation is needed to harness its benefits while minimizing harm.
Keywords:
RSVSARS-CoV-2adenoviruscell deathhuman metapneumovirusinfluenza viruspyroptosisrespiratory virusrhinovirus

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