Pyroptosis: macrophage suicide exposes hidden invaders

Curr Biol. 2011 Jan 25;21(2):R72-5. doi: 10.1016/j.cub.2010.12.008.

Abstract

Caspase-1 plays a key role in host defense through its dual function in inducing a pro-inflammatory cell death termed pyroptosis and in promoting the secretion of pro-inflammatory cytokines. A new study now highlights the specific importance of pyroptosis in resistance to intracellular pathogens.

Publication types

  • Research Support, Non-U.S. Gov't

MeSH terms

  • Animals
  • Bacteria / genetics
  • Bacteria / metabolism
  • Caspase 1 / genetics
  • Caspase 1 / metabolism
  • Cell Death / physiology*
  • Cytokines / genetics
  • Cytokines / metabolism
  • Flagellin / genetics
  • Flagellin / metabolism
  • Gene Expression Regulation / physiology
  • Inflammation / immunology
  • Inflammation / metabolism
  • Macrophages / immunology
  • Macrophages / microbiology*
  • Macrophages / physiology*

Substances

  • Cytokines
  • Flagellin
  • Caspase 1