Statins as anti-pyroptotic agents.

INTRODUCTION

Pyroptosis is a regulated form of cell death, which is often a consequence of the activation of inflammatory caspases.

METHODS

Appropriate inflammatory responses and the induction of pyroptosis enhance the clearance of pathogens and increase innate immunity.

RESULTS

However, excessive pyroptosis contributes to a hyperinflammatory response and aggravates tissue damage, thereby causing inflammatory diseases. There have been recent reports on the modulation of pyroptosis by statins, which may explain part of the pleiotropic actions of these drugs in inflammatory diseases and cancer.

CONCLUSIONS

Herein, the extant evidence for the potential value of statins in targeting pyroptosis in various diseases is reviewed.