form of programmed cell death associated with antimicrobial responses during inflammation. initiation of pyroptosis is caused by the recognition of flagellin components of Salmonella and Shigella species (and similar pathogen-associated molecular patterns (PAMPs) in other microbial pathogens) by NOD-like receptors (NLRs). (NOTE------NOD-like receptors (NLRs). These receptors function like plasma membrane Toll-like receptors (TLRs), but recognise antigens located within the cell rather than outside of it.) In contrast to apoptosis, pyroptosis requires the function of the enzyme caspase-1 and Caspase -11. caspase-1 is activated during pyroptosis by a large supramolecular complex termed the pyroptosome (also known as an inflammasome containing IL-1 cytokine) Pyroptosis differs from Apoptosis by following features (that’s why they are considered as NECROSIS ---- “Caspase dependent programmed cell death” ) a) Shows cell swelling b) Cell membrane damage c) Presence of inflammation
