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Invasion of Human Cells by a Bacterial Pathogen
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Gasdermins against intracellular bacterial pathogens.

Fernando W Souza1,2, Yaxin Liu1, Jacqueline Trujillo3

  • 1Department of Integrative Immunobiology, Duke University School of Medicine, Durham, NC, USA.

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|February 20, 2026
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Summary
This summary is machine-generated.

Pyroptosis, a cell death process involving gasdermin (GSDM) pores, is a key defense against intracellular bacteria. While host-adapted pathogens evade pyroptosis, environmental bacteria cannot, highlighting its role in infection immunity.

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Area of Science:

  • Immunology
  • Microbiology
  • Cell Biology

Background:

  • Intracellular bacterial pathogens cause significant human disease.
  • Pyroptosis, a lytic cell death, is mediated by gasdermin (GSDM) pores and eliminates pathogens.
  • GSDM proteins are activated by various signaling pathways.

Purpose of the Study:

  • To review recent advances in understanding GSDM protein activation and pyroptosis.
  • To explore how pyroptosis eliminates intracellular bacteria and primes immune responses.
  • To contrast pathogen evasion strategies against pyroptosis.

Main Methods:

  • Review of recent scientific literature on pyroptosis and GSDM proteins.
  • Analysis of distinct signaling pathways activating GSDM proteins.
  • Comparative study of host-adapted versus environmental bacterial pathogens.

Main Results:

  • Five GSDM proteins (GSDMA-E) are activated by distinct pathways.
  • Pyroptosis eliminates intracellular bacterial niches and releases cytokines.
  • Host-adapted pathogens like Shigella, Salmonella, and Mycobacterium tuberculosis subvert pyroptosis.
  • Environmental bacteria like Burkholderia and Chromobacterium fail to evade pyroptosis.

Conclusions:

  • Pyroptosis is a potent host defense mechanism against intracellular bacteria.
  • Pathogen strategies to subvert pyroptosis are crucial for infection.
  • Understanding pyroptosis provides insights into host-pathogen interactions and potential therapeutic targets.