Harnessing pyroptosis for lung cancer therapy: The impact of NLRP3 inflammasome activation

Pathol Res Pract. 2024 Aug:260:155444. doi: 10.1016/j.prp.2024.155444. Epub 2024 Jul 1.

Abstract

Lung cancer is still a global health challenge in terms of high incidence, morbidity, and mortality. Recent scientific studies have determined that pyroptosis, a highly inflammatory form of programmed cell death, can be identified as a potential lung cancer therapeutic target. The NLRP3 inflammasome acts as a critical mediator in this process and, upon activation, activates multiprotein complex formation as well as caspase-1 activation. This process, triggered by a release of pro-inflammatory cytokines, results in pyroptotic cell death. Also, the relationship between the NLRP3 inflammasome and lung cancer was justified by its influence on tumour growth or metastasis. The molecular pathways produce progenitive mediators and remake the tissue. Finally, targeting NLRP3 inflammasome for pyroptosis induction and inhibition of its activation appears to be a promising lung cancer treatment approach. This technique makes cancer treatment more promising and personalized. This review explores the role of NLRP3 inflammasome activation and its possibilities in lung cancer treatment.

Keywords: Inflammasome; Inflammation; Lung cancer; NLRP3 pathway; Pyroptosis; ROS.

Publication types

  • Review

MeSH terms

  • Animals
  • Humans
  • Inflammasomes* / metabolism
  • Lung Neoplasms* / metabolism
  • Lung Neoplasms* / pathology
  • NLR Family, Pyrin Domain-Containing 3 Protein* / metabolism
  • Pyroptosis* / physiology

Substances

  • NLR Family, Pyrin Domain-Containing 3 Protein
  • Inflammasomes
  • NLRP3 protein, human