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International Journal of Biological Sciences logoLink to International Journal of Biological Sciences
. 2024 Mar 3;20(5):1871–1883. doi: 10.7150/ijbs.91112

The scheme, and regulative mechanism of pyroptosis, ferroptosis, and necroptosis in radiation injury

Jiaoyang Ning 1,*, Liu Chen 1,*, Yu Zeng 2, Gang Xiao 1, Wentao Tian 1, Qi Wu 3, Jiyuan Tang 4, Shuangshuang He 5, Guilong Tanzhu 1,✉, Rongrong Zhou 1,6,7,✉
PMCID: PMC10929204  PMID: 38481804

Abstract

Radiotherapy (RT) stands as the primary treatment for tumors, but it inevitably causes damage to normal cells. Consequently, radiation injury is a crucial consideration for radiation oncologists during therapy planning. Cell death including apoptosis, autophagy, pyroptosis, ferroptosis, and necroptosis play significant roles in tumor treatment. While previous studies elucidated the induction of apoptosis and autophagy by ionizing radiation (IR), recent attention has shifted to pyroptosis, ferroptosis, and necroptosis, revealing their effects induced by IR. This review aims to summarize the strategies employed by IR, either alone or in combination therapy, to induce pyroptosis, ferroptosis, and necroptosis in radiation injury. Furthermore, we explore their effects and molecular pathways, shedding light on their roles in radiation injury. Finally, we summarize the regulative agents for these three types of cell death and their mechanisms. In summary, optimizing radiation dose, dose rate, and combined treatment plans to minimize radiation damage and enhance the killing effect of RT is a key focus.

Keywords: Pyroptosis, Ferroptosis, Necroptosis, Radiation injury, Regulative mechanism

Introduction

Annually, approximately 470,000 patients undergo radiotherapy (RT) in the United States, with up to half of all cancer patients worldwide anticipated to receive this treatment 1. When integrated with surgery 2, chemotherapy 3, targeted therapy 4, immunotherapy 5, and other modalities, RT proves effective in inhibiting tumor progression, extending patient survival, and enhancing the quality of life. Mechanistically, the traditional perspective suggests that RT directly affects biological macromolecules such as DNA and proteins 6. It also indirectly impacts water molecules, generating radiolysis products that cause DNA damage and protein denaturation, ultimately resulting in tumor cell death 7. Furthermore, with the advent of immunotherapy, the role of the immune system in tumor treatment has gained attention. Numerous studies have demonstrated that RT functions as an "in situ vaccine", activating the immune system and promoting anti-tumor immunity 8.

While RT effectively eliminates tumors, minimizing damage to normal tissues remains challenging. Complications such as radiation pneumonitis, pulmonary fibrosis 9, radiation myocarditis 10, radiation brain damage 11, and intestinal damage 12 require resolution. Current clinical treatment measures for radiation injuries primarily involve symptomatic treatment 13. The combination of drugs for preventive measures to reduce radiation injury remains relatively rare 14. Radiation oncologists are dedicated to eradicating tumors while minimizing side effects on normal tissues. To mitigate radiation injury, various approaches are being explored. Radioprotective drugs like memantine 15, vitamins 16, amifostine 17, 18 (NCT00040365), melatonin 19, 20 (NCT03716583), evosk 21, and trixiera 21, 22 (NCT02334345) are explored. Advances in imaging and positioning techniques 23 provide a foundation for accurate RT. FLASH-RT, utilizing ultra-high dose rates (> 40Gy/s), has gained significant attention 24. FLASH-RT maintains local tumor control while reducing normal tissue toxicity compared with conventional RT 25-29. Furthermore, the application of particle beams in proton and heavy ion RT interests radiologists due to their potential to minimize normal tissue damage 30, 31. Despite the technological efforts, minimizing radiation injury remains a challenge 32. Continued research and innovation are necessary to further improve the balance between tumor control and normal tissue preservation in RT 13.

Cell death can be categorized into non-programmed cell death, and programmed cell death 33, 34. While apoptosis has traditionally been regarded as the primary mechanism of cell death, the recognition of alternative forms, such as programmed necrosis, has challenged this conventional perspective 35, 36. Pyroptosis 37, 38, ferroptosis 39, 40, and necroptosis 41, 42, which have gained significant attention in recent years, fall under the category of programmed cell necrosis.

Pyroptosis was initially proposed by Cookson and Brennan in 2001 43. In 2017, Shao's team revealed the role of the gasdermin family in forming membrane pores during pyroptosis 38, heightening interest in pyroptosis research. Pyroptosis is involved in various fields, including infectious diseases 44, neurological diseases 45, cardiovascular diseases 46, drug cardiotoxicity 47, and tumors 48. Introduced by Dr. Dixon in 2012 49, ferroptosis is characterized by iron-dependent lipid peroxidation and reactive oxygen species (ROS) accumulation. Ferroptosis is implicated in neurodegenerative diseases 50, drug-induced pulmonary fibrosis 51, acute kidney injury 52, cardiovascular diseases 53, and tumors 54. Necroptosis, proposed in 2005 55, represents a regulated form of necrosis influencing diseases like ischemia-reperfusion injury 56, and liver fibrosis 57, diabetic heart injury 58, Alzheimer's disease 59, and tumors 60. These programmed cell death mechanisms, including pyroptosis, ferroptosis, and necroptosis, have emerged as pivotal areas of research owing to their involvement in various diseases and pathological conditions. Understanding their mechanisms offer valuable insights for developing targeted therapeutic strategies.

Indeed, pyroptosis, ferroptosis, and necroptosis are distinct programmed cell death mechanisms, and the interconnections and transformations between these pathways remain incompletely understood. Each mode of cell death is governed by specific signaling pathways. Pyroptosis relies on caspase family and inflammasome activation, involving both caspase-1-dependent and caspase-1-independent pathways 61. Upon stimulation by signals from bacteria, viruses, and other sources, caspase-1 is activated and cleaves gasdermin D (GSDMD), leading to the release of interleukin-1β (IL-1β) and interleukin-18 (IL-18) 62. In the caspase-1-independent pathway, activation of caspases-4, 5, or 11 triggers GSDMD cleavage, resulting in membrane pore formation and the release of inflammatory factors 63. Ferroptosis is characterized by lipid peroxidation accumulation 64. The classic mechanism involves extracellular signals inhibiting glutathione peroxidase (GPXs) 65 and cystine/glutamate transport receptor (system Xc-) 66. This leads to the activation of p53 gene 67, voltage-dependent anion channels (VDACs) 68, and other mechanisms inducing ferroptosis. Unlike apoptosis and pyroptosis, necroptosis does not depend on caspase activity but is primarily regulated by receptor-interacting kinase-3 (RIPK3)-mediated mixed lineage kinase domain-like (MLKL) phosphorylation 69.

Ongoing research on cell death induced by IR, leading to either tumor cell elimination or normal tissue damage 32. The cell death induced by IR extends beyond apoptosis 70 and autophagy 71. It exerts its effects by triggering a variety of cell death pathways, including pyroptosis, ferroptosis, and necroptosis. Recently, radiobiologists have initiated investigation into the roles of radiation-induced pyroptosis, ferroptosis, and necroptosis. This review aims to understand the protocols and molecular regulatory pathways involved in radiation damage mediated by pyroptosis, ferroptosis, and necroptosis, both in the context of RT alone or in combination with other treatments.

Radiation-induced pyroptosis/ferroptosis/necroptosis and dosimetry

Pyroptosis is a significant contributor to radiation injury. Studies have confirmed that ionizing radiation (IR) induces pyroptosis along with various radiation-induced injuries such as sepsis 72, radiation pneumonitis, and pulmonary fibrosis 73, radiation-induced liver damage 74, brain damage 75, and salivary gland damage 76. More research predominantly focuses on radiation-induced intestinal injury 77-80. Similarly, investigations on IR-induced ferroptosis in radiation injury have primarily concentrated on intestinal injury 81-84, lung injury 85-88, with limited studies on hematopoietic system injury 89, 90, wound repair 91, hippocampus neurons injury 92, and skin injury 93. Research on radiation-induced necroptosis in the field of radiation injury primarily focuses on lung injury 94 and intestinal injury 95.

The occurrence of pyroptosis, ferroptosis and necroptosis induced by IR is dependent on the dose and dose rate. Generally, the total IR dose for both pyroptosis, ferroptosis and necroptosis is below 10 Gy, occasionally ranging from 10-25 Gy. Notably, Wang et al. employed a higher dose of 40 Gy to induce ferroptosis, establishing a radiation-induced skin injury model in Sprague-Dawley (SD) rats 93. Compared with ferroptosis and necroptosis, pyroptosis requires a larger total IR dose. For ferroptosis and necroptosis, the administered dose to animals is relatively higher than that given to cells, with no obvious trend observed in pyroptosis (Figure 1) (Supplementary Table 1). Regarding dose rates, 1-4 Gy/min is commonly applied. Zhang et al. conducted a study using a high dose rate of 12.61 Gy/min to induce pyroptosis 96. No distinct pattern emerges between cell death modes and cell/animal models. However, parameters such as total dose, fractionation, and dose rate should be considered when constructing a radiation injury model. Additionally, animal factors, including the use of C57BL/6J mice, ICR mice, SD rats, and Balb/c mice, should be taken into account. Due to variations in radiation sensitivities, the IR parameters used to induce damage in different organs vary. The doses for radiation injury induction are often higher than those for sensitivity enhancement. In animal models, there is no clear pattern regarding the radiation dose inducing pyroptosis, ferroptosis or necroptosis, and the type of cell death produced by similar doses is uncertain. Common parameters of radiation injury caused by pyroptosis, ferroptosis and necroptosis are presented in Supplementary Table 1.

Figure 1.

Figure 1

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IR dose for pyroptosis- and ferroptosis-related radiation injury. (A) Total dose (B) Dose rate.

Regulation of radiation induced-pyroptosis and its mechanisms

Various agents, including biological products/extracts, nuclear factor kappa-B (NF-κB) inhibitors, and different compounds, can inhibit radiation-induced pyroptosis and mitigate radiation injury. In Supplementary Table 2, we have compiled a summary of pyroptosis inhibitors that provide protection against radiation injury, along with elucidation of their underlying mechanisms.

Plant extracts or microbial products have shown inhibitory effects on pyroptosis, functioning as radiation protection factors. For instance, ACT001, derived from parthenolide found in the feverfew plant, inhibits NOD-like receptor thermal protein domain associated protein 3 (NLRP3) and reduces the expression of IL-1β, interleukin-6 (IL-6), tumor necrosis factor-α (TNF-α), and GSDMD. This ultimately inhibits pyroptosis and radiation-induced lung injury (Figure 2A) 73. Andrographis paniculate extract and its active compound andrographolide, along with the traditional Chinese medicine Re-Du-Ning (RDN) demonstrate pronounced efficacy in preventing absent in melanoma 2 (AIM2) from sensing DNA damage caused by IR. These agents effectively pyroptosis-induced pneumonia and suppress epithelial-mesenchymal transition (EMT)-mediated pulmonary fibrosis 97, 98. Cui et al. discovered that I-Histidine, secreted by intestinal flora, and its metabolite imidazole propionate attenuate radiation toxicity in the heart and lungs by inhibiting pyroptosis (Figure 2B) 99. Additionally, Xu's team confirmed that bacterially derived flagellin A N/C (FlaAN/C) contributes to the restoration of intestinal vitiligo and the reduction of hemorrhage areas by inhibiting pyroptosis and apoptosis. FlaAN/C significantly inhibits ROS, NLRP3, and caspase-1 in intestinal cells post-IR, subsequently diminishing the release of inflammation-related cytokines such as IL-1β, IL-6, IL-18, interleukin-8 (IL-8), and TNF-α (Figure 2C) 80. Biological extracts have emerged as significant agents for suppressing pyroptosis related radiation injury.

Figure 2.

Figure 2

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Regulative mechanism of inhibitors for treating pyroptosis-related radiation injury. (A) The feverfew plant extract ACT001 inhibits NLRP3 and reduces the expression of IL-6, TNF-α, IL-1β, and GSDMD, thereby inhibiting pyroptosis and radiation-induced lung injury. (B) I-Histidine, secreted by intestinal flora, mitigates radiation-induced cardiopulmonary injury by inhibiting pyroptosis. (C) Bacterial-derived FlaAN/C inhibits ROS, NLRP3, and caspase-1, thus attenuating intestinal cells pyroptosis and the release of inflammation-related cytokines, including IL-1β, IL-18, IL-8, IL-6, and TNF-α. (D) rMnSOD inhibits radiation-induced liver damage by inactivating caspase-1, aSMase, and nSMases. (E) Micheliolide inhibits the NLRP3/caspase-1 axis, attenuating pyroptosis and the release of cytokines including IL-1β, IL-18, TGF-β1, TNF-α, and IFN-γ, which ultimately promots mice survival after radiation exposure. (F) p-Coumaric acid inactivates caspase-1, NLRP3, and AIM2 to inhibit pyroptosis and radiation-induced lung injury. (G-H) VX-765 and the NF-κB inhibitor PDTC inhibit caspase-1 to alleviate radiation-induced intestinal damage. (I) 5-AED upregulates the expression of NF-κB to mitigate AIM2-driven pyroptosis and radiation-induced intestinal injury. (J) NaNO3 inhibits pyroptosis and acinar cells damage by downregulating the expression of NLPR3, ASC, GSDMD, IL-18, thus inhibiting pyroptosis. (K) Pulmozyme inhibits double-strand DNA damage and the the cGAS/STING/NLRP3 axis activation and the release of IL-1β, IL-18, protecting lung tissue from radiation damage. (L) Mesenchymal stem cells inhibit NLRP3 and caspase-1 to alleviate radiation-induced brain damage.

Numerous studies proved that the NF-κB pathway contributes to the development of pyroptosis 100, 101. Commonly used NF-κB inhibitors include andrographolide 97, human recombinant manganese superoxide dismutase (rMnSOD) 74, micheliolide 92, p-Coumaric acid 79, and pyrrolidinedithiocarbamate ammonium (PDTC) 102. Pre-administration of these inhibitors followed by irradiation effectively reduces cell pyroptosis and the release of pro-inflammatory factors, thereby mitigating radiation injury. However, they do not directly affect NF-κB pathway but interferes with different molecules on the pyroptosis pathway. For example, andrographolide 97 and RDN 98 effectively prevent AIM2-mediated pyroptosis-related radiation pneumonitis. rMnSOD inhibits radiation-induced hepatocyte pyroptosis by reducing the activity of elevated caspase-1, acid sphingomyelinases (aSMase), and neutral sphingomyelinases (nSMases) (Figure 2D) 74. Micheliolide facilitates the phagocytosis of NLRP3, reduces NLRP3 expression, and prolongs the survival of mice after radiation exposure (Figure 2E) 77. p-Coumaric acid inhibits both pyroptosis and apoptosis while enhancing intestinal protection function. Mechanistically, p-Coumaric acid downregulates the activities of caspase-1, NLRP3, AIM2, concurrently promoting the expression of tight junction proteins, including occludin, zonula occludens-1 (ZO-1), and claudin-5 (Figure 2F) 79. Xu et al. demonstrated the radioprotective ability of FlaAN/C 80 and further showed that miR-142a-3p downregulates interleukin 1 receptor associated kinase 1 (IRAK1), impedes the NF-κB pathway, and amplifies the protective effect against radiation-induced intestinal injury 103. Zhang et al. demonstrated that the caspase-1 inhibitor VX-765 (Figure 2G) and the ferroptosis inhibitor ferrostatin-1 hindered pyroptosis and ferroptosis, respectively. PDTC could simultaneously reverse indicators of pyroptosis and ferroptosis by inhibiting NF-κB (Figure 2H) 102. Overall, inhibiting NF-κB can suppress radiation-induced pyroptosis and mitigate radiation injury. However, Zhu's team reported that 5-androstenediol (5-AED) increased the expression of NF-κB and alleviated AIM2-driven pyroptosis-related intestinal injury (Figure 2I) 78. The NF-κB pathway has been demonstrated as a target of pyroptosis to govern radiation injury.

Alterations in the immune microenvironment pre and post RT contribute to the development of radiation-induced damage 104, 105. In contrast to apoptosis, known for immune silencing, pyroptosis disrupts the cell membrane and releases cellular contents, triggering immune activation 41, 106. The impact of IR on the immune system has garnered substantial attention 107, 108. Han et al. reported that IR induces pyroptosis and recruits cytotoxic T cells through the caspase-9/caspase-3/gasdermin E (GSDME) signaling pathway 109. Combining IR with chemotherapy drugs like cisplatin, etoposide, decitabine, and azacytidine has the potential to further enhance anti-tumor immunity 109. IR-induced pyroptosis can influence radiation-induced damage development by modulating macrophages, dendritic cells, T cells, and natural killer cells (NK cells). Andrographolide (Figure 3Aa) and miR-223-3p (Figure 3Ab) inhibit caspase-1-mediated macrophage pyroptosis by targeting the AIM2 and NLRP3 inflammasomes, thereby mitigating radiation-induced lung injury 96, 97. The combination of RDN and IR effectively prevents pyroptosis and radiation pneumonitis. Mechanistically, RDN suppresses the activation of the PI3K/AKT pathway and AIM2, blocking immune cells infiltration like macrophages, neutrophils, and T lymphocytes (Figure 3Ac) 98. Compared to conventional RT, FLASH-RT attenuates GSDME-mediated pyroptosis by inhibiting the cyclic GMP-AMP synthase (cGAS)-stimulator of interferon genes (STING) pathway. This reduction in activity leads to a decrease in CD8+ T cells recruitment and subsequently mitigates radiation-induced intestinal damage (Figure 3Ba) 110. Additionally, Wu et al. demonstrated that knocking out cGAS downregulates caspase-11-mediated pyroptosis and reduce sepsis following IR 72. Interestingly, GSDME/caspase3-induced pyroptosis and NK cells activation exhibit a dual effect, concurrently diminishing radiation resistance and increasing radiation-related organ toxicity in the intestine, liver, stomach, and pancreas (Figure 3C) 111. Macrophages, T cells, neutrophils, and NK cells within the immune microenvironment play crucial roles in the process of pyroptosis implicated in the development of radiation injury. The relevant molecular mechanisms have been summarized in Supplementary Table 3.

Figure 3.

Figure 3

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The role of immune regulation in pyroptosis- and ferroptosis-related radiation damage. (A) Radiation-induced lung injury. (Aa-b) Andrographolide and miR-223-3p inhibit macrophage pyroptosis, the release of IL-1α, IL-1β, IL-6, IL-18, TNF-α and radiation-induced lung injury through the AIM2/caspase-1 and NLRP3/caspase-1 axes, respectively. (Ac) RDN inhibits the AIM2/caspase-1 axis, reducing the recruitment of immune cells such as macrophages, neutrophils, and T lymphocytes, and mitigating radiation-induced lung injury. (B) Radiation-induced intestinal injury. (Ba) FLASH-RT inhibits the cGAS-STING pathway, attenuating GSDME-induced pyroptosis and cytotoxic T cells infiltration, ultimately protecting intestinal cells from radiation damage. (Bb) Liproxstatin-1 upregulates LPCAT3 and ALOX15 expression and inhibits mitochondrial damage, ultimately preventing ferroptosis, the release of IL-6, IL-17, TNF-α and lymphocytes infiltration. (C) Radiation-induced multi-organ (intestine, stomach, liver and pancreas) injury. Inhibition of pyroptosis by regulating the GSDME/caspase-3 axis blocks NK cells recruitment, mitigating radiation-induced multi-organ damage. (D) Radiation-induced hematopoietic system injury. (Da-b) Ferrostatin-1 and LDN 193189 inhibit iron metabolism to protect the hematopoietic system from radiation damage.

Other substances, such as NaNO3, pulmozyme, and mesenchymal stem cells, show potential as radioprotective agents. NaNO3 has been identified to reduce the radiation-induced expression of GSDMD, GSDMD-NT, ASC, and IL-18, thereby inhibiting NLPR3-mediated pyroptosis and protecting acinar cells from damage (Figure 2J) 76. Pulmozyme, a widely used clinical drug for cystic fibrosis, can inhibit double-strand break of DNA damage induced by IR and the activation of the cGAS/STING/NLRP3 signaling pathway. This inhibition subsequently prevents pyroptosis and radiation-induced lung damage (Figure 2K) 112. Mesenchymal stem cells possess the capability to suppress the activation of NLRP3 and caspase-1, thereby attenuating microglial pyroptosis and protecting brain tissue from radiation injury (Figure 2L) 75. Biological extracts, NF-κB pathway regulators, and compounds with special structures have been revealed to be effective agents targeting pyroptosis to treat radiation injury.

Regulation of radiation induced-ferroptosis and its mechanisms

Plant extracts exhibit radioprotective effects by inhibiting ferroptosis (Figure 4). Astragaloside IV (AS IV), a saponin derived from astragalus, mitigates radiation-induced lung injury by inhibiting ferroptosis 85. Lycium barbarum polysaccharide-glycoprotein (LBP), obtained from Lycium barbarum fruit, protects epithelial cells from radiation injury by upregulating nuclear factor erythroid-2 related factor 2 (NRF2) and solute carrier family 7 member 11 (SLC7A11), which are positive regulators of cell survival via ferroptosis 113. Epigallocatechin-3-gallate (EGCG), a key extract from green tea, promotes the survival of intestinal stem cells and mucosal cells by inhibiting both ferroptosis and apoptosis. Mechanistically, EGCG enhances NRF2 expression and facilitates its nuclear translocation, resulting in the upregulation of SLC7A11, HO-1, and glutathione peroxidase 4 (GPX4), while reducing ROS accumulation and DNA damage 114. Similarly, perillaldehyde, the active ingredient of perilla frutescence, upregulates NRF2, GPX4, and glutathione (GSH), while inhibiting ROS accumulation and prostaglandin-endoperoxide synthase 2 (PTGS2) to prevent ferroptosis, apoptosis, and radiation-induced intestinal barrier damage 115. Notably, total flavonoids derived from Engelhardia roxburghiana Wall. leaves (TFERL) alleviate radiation-induced intestinal damage in mice and reduce the radiation resistance of colorectal cancer cells by inhibiting ferroptosis 116. Ferroptosis inhibitors safeguarding against radiation injury, along with their corresponding mechanisms, are summarized in Supplementary Table 2.

Figure 4.

Figure 4

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Regulative mechanism of inhibitors for treating ferroptosis-related radiation damage. Radiotherapy can stimulate (A) iron metabolism and (B) ROS metabolism while inhibiting (C) the system Xc--GPX4 axis, ultimately inducing ferroptosis. This process is suppressed by several inhibitors. (A) Iron metabolism: NCOA4 promotes ferritinophagy, inhibiting the expression of iron storage-related proteins such as FTH and FTL, while suppressing FPN1 and enhancing TRF1, thereby synergistically promoting iron metabolism. Activation of HO-1, facilitated by NRF2, further inhibits iron metabolism. Dysregulated iron metabolism leads to ROS accumulation. (B) ROS metabolism: NRF2 upregulates NQO1, which counteracts ROS levels elevated by ACSL4 and induces increased PTGS2 expression. Elevated ROS levels promote lipid peroxidation, triggering ferroptosis. (C) System Xc--GPX4: SLC38A9 activates mTOR, inhibiting system Xc- comprised of SLC7A11 and SLC3A2. Cystine influx via system Xc- activates the GSH/GPX4 axis, inhibiting ROS accumulation. ACSL4 indirectly inhibits system Xc- and GPX4, thereby promoting ROS accumulation. Ferroptosis induction leads to the release of cytokines, including IL-1β, IL-6, IL-10, TNF-α, and TGF-β1.

Exosomes and plasmids serve as important carriers for cell-free therapies, gaining notable attention in recent years 117, 118. Ferroptosis plays a crucial role in repairing radiation-induced damage to the hematopoietic system and skin. Yao et al. reported that the injecting exosomes derived from healthy rats' plasma (RPExos) promoted fibroblast growth and wound healing in mouse skin injuries caused by irradiation 91. Additionally, plasmid-loaded human MnSOD downregulates acyl-CoA synthetase long-chain family member 4 (ACSL4) and reduces ROS production. It concurrently upregulates the expression of GPX4 and SLC7A11 to attenuate ferroptosis and radiation-induced skin damage 93. Exosomes and plasmids hold promise as important delivery vehicles for targeting ferroptosis in the management of radiation injury.

Melatonin and cholesterol have demonstrated radioprotective potential in preclinical studies (Figure 4). Du's team reported that melatonin, secreted by the pineal gland, promotes the binding of NRF2 to pyruvate kinase isozymes M2 (PKM2) and facilitates its nuclear translocation. This protective mechanism mitigates radiation-induced hippocampal neuron death by attenuating ferroptosis 92. Cholesterol enhances the ferroptosis resistance of bone marrow hematopoietic stem cells (Figure 4). This is achieved through the activation of the solute carrier family 38 member 9 (SLC38A9)/mammalian target of rapamycin (mTOR) axis and SLC7A11/GPX4 axis, along with the inhibition of ferritinophagy. These mechanisms collectively attenuate radiation-induced myelosuppression 119. Conversely, Tyurina et al. reported that pseudomonas aeruginosa (PAO1) induces ferroptosis by promoting the generation of 15-HpETE-PE and oxidized phosphatidylethanolamine through 15-lipoxygenase. This further enhances intestinal damage 83. Human endogenous metabolites could serve as crucial components of radioprotectants by exerting inhibitory effects on ferroptosis.

Ferroptosis inhibitors, such as ferrostatin-1, deferoxamine (DFO), liproxstatin-1, NVP-AUY922, and compound 5, have demonstrated significant efficacy in inhibiting ferroptosis and alleviating radiation injury (Figure 4). IR stimulates the STAT1/interferon regulatory factor (IRF1)/ACSL4 signaling pathway and nuclear receptor coactivator 4 (NCOA4)-induced ferritinophagy, leading to intracellular iron overload and ferroptosis. Ferrostatin-1 and the DFO effectively attenuate iron metabolism, thereby alleviating radiation-induced intestinal injury 81, 82. Additionally, Li et al. reported that ferrostatin-1 enhances radiation sensitivity while reducing radiation-induced intestinal injury 120. Liproxstatin-1, as a ferroptosis inhibitor, increases the expression of NRF2, heme oxygenase-1 (HO1), and NADH quinone oxidoreductase 1 (NQO1), while concurrently inhibiting the expression of transforming growth factor-β (TGF-β1). Qiao et al. demonstrated that liproxstatin-1 reduces the release of TNF-α, IL-6, and IL-10, ultimately alleviating radiation-induced lung injury 87, 88. Furthermore, NVP-AUY922, a resorcinol isoxazole amide drug with anti-inflammatory, immunomodulatory, and therapeutic effects on various cancers. It inhibits the heat shock protein (HSP90)-mediated CMA pathway, promotes chaperone-mediated lysosomal degradation of GPX4, ultimately inhibits ferroptosis, inflammatory factor release, and radiation-induced lung injury. Tian et al. synthesized a series of modified polycysteine peptides to demonstrate the binding ability of drugs to DNA. Compound 5, in particular, reduces hematopoietic system damage and lung damage caused by whole-body irradiation. It also inhibits NADPH oxidase 1 (NOX1), ferroptosis, and alleviates radiation-induced intestinal damage 121. ACSL4 levels elevate post-IR, subsequently inducing ferroptosis and intestinal injury. Dai's team utilized antibiotics and antifungal drugs to inhibit ACSL4 expression and mitigate intestinal injury, proving the involvement of intestinal flora and ACSL4 in inducing ferroptosis and intestinal injury 84. Several ferroptosis inhibitors frequently utilized in preclinical investigations hold promise as emerging radioprotective agents.

Emerging evidence indicates a close relationship between radiation-induced ferroptosis and immune system activation. Hu et al. demonstrated that the restoration of radiation-induced intestinal immune imbalance by the ferroptosis inhibitor liproxstatin-1 (Figure 3Bb) 122. Furthermore, ferrostatin-1 (Figure 3Da), LDN 193189 (Figure 3Db), and DFO have been shown to reduce bone marrow suppression and restore the number of red/white blood cells by inhibiting iron metabolism. Consequently, this intervention alleviates acute radiation symptoms such as bleeding and prolongs mouse survival 89, 90. Additionally, Ding et al. observed ferroptosis induction in AHH-1 lymphocytes following exposure to low-dose radiation (0-4.7 mGy) 123. However, the expression of ferroptosis markers decreased after 4.8-28.8 mGy irradiation. Lymphocytes and monocytes, integral components of the immune microenvironment, have been identified as crucial mediators in the development of radiation injury triggered by ferroptosis.

Regulation of radiation induced-necroptosis and its mechanisms

Plant extracts, such as crocetin derived from gardenia fruit and lipoxygenase-15 derived from baicalein, exhibit potential as radioprotective drugs (Figure 5). Crocetin alleviates radiation injury to lung tissue structure by inhibiting the expression of Tnfrsf10b, thereby hindering the occurrence of necroptosis 94. Greenberger et al. reported that lipoxygenase-15, along with the classic necroptosis inhibitor necrostatin-1 can inhibit necroptosis and extend the survival of radiation-damaged animals 124. Additionally, Kagan's team demonstrated that necrostatin-1 (Figure 5) inhibits necroptosis and counters radiation-induced lethal damage by suppressing the expression of receptor-interacting serine/threonine-protein kinase 1 (RIPK1) and phosphorylating RIPK3 125. Furthermore, NRF2, a key regulator of ferroptosis, has been identified as a suppressor of necroptosis, alleviating radiation-induced rectal injury 95. Agents with the capacity to suppress necroptosis show promise as innovative radioprotective therapies. Necroptosis inhibitors, along with their protective mechanisms against radiation injury are summarized in Supplementary Table 2.

Figure 5.

Figure 5

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Regulative mechanism of inhibitors for treating necroptosis-related radiation damage. Crocetin and necrostatin-1 inhibit necroptosis by suppressing the radiation-induced upregulation of Tnfrsf10b and RIPK1/p-RIPK3 expression respectively.

Clinical translations

In recent years, clinical trials studying pyroptosis, ferroptosis and necroptosis have emerged. However, trials specifically targeting pyroptosis, ferroptosis, necroptosis, and radiation injury are rare. Wang et al. summarized clinical trials focusing on pyroptosis, ferroptosis, and necroptosis in the context of RT 126. Most of these clinical trials are in phase I or II, with few in phase III. Nevertheless, their emphasis lies predominantly on alterations in the expression of key regulatory molecules associated with pyroptosis, ferroptosis, and necroptosis, which may not comprehensively depict the incidence of cell death 126. Presently, clinical trials addressing radiation injury primarily concentrate on radiation dermatitis 127-129, with a limited number focusing on radiation pneumonitis 130 and radiation enteritis 131. The majority of interventions remain symptomatic, with approaches like hyperbaric oxygen therapy, administration of glucocorticoid, pain management, and nutritional support 13, 14, 132-134. The clinical efficacy of therapies targeting cell death for radiation injury treatment is yet to be substantiated. Currently, only a sparse number of clinical trials are investigating drugs with potential cell death inhibitory effects in the context of radiation injury, such as enalapril and captopril 135-138. The actual impact of these drugs on improving radiation injury through the inhibition of cell death necessitates further confirmation.

Conclusion and prospective

Radiotherapy (RT) is a double-edged sword. While it effectively kills tumor cells, it also damages surrounding normal tissues, causing radiation injury 139, 140. Cell death serves as one of the mechanisms that explains both phenomena. This review focuses on the roles of pyroptosis, ferroptosis, and necroptosis in the radiation injury process, attracting significant attention among oncologists.

Overall, the occurrence of pyroptosis, ferroptosis, and necroptosis plays a significant role in mediating radiation injury to a certain extent. Most studies on pyroptosis, ferroptosis, and necroptosis in the field of radiation injury use combined inducers or inhibitors, such as biological extracts and NF-κB inhibitors. Current investigations into radiation injury to normal tissue do not concurrently address the radiation resistance of tumor tissue, deviating from the actual clinical scenario. However, a few studies have indicated that ferroptosis is inhibited under radiation, potentially associated with tumor type and radiation dose. Similar to autophagy, ferroptosis may protect tumors. Ma et al. reported that IR activates the AdipoR1/NRF2 signaling pathway to inhibit ferroptosis, thereby reducing the radioresistance of liver cancer cells 141. However, no relevant evidence exists in the field of radiation injury, and further research is needed to confirm this. Research on IR-induced necroptosis in the context of radiation injury is scarce, with poorly understood underlying mechanisms.

In most studies, identifying pyroptosis, ferroptosis, and necroptosis primarily relies on changes in classic targets, with limited research on the specific upstream and downstream mechanisms. Evidence suggests potential intrinsic connections between different cell death pathways 142, 143. While radiation can induce multiple forms of cell death simultaneously 144, 145, research on the transformation between these death modes is lacking. The upregulation of the NFR2 induced by radiation is implicated in the occurrence and progression of ferroptosis and necroptosis 95, 102, 146. Research on cell death is continuously evolving. Whether other forms of cell death, such as cuproptosis, alkaliptosis, parthanatos, oxeiptosis, and disulfidptosis, are involved in the occurrence of radiation damage requires additional evidence.

Currently, there are limited clinically effective radiation protection drugs. Inhibitors related to pyroptosis, ferroptosis, and necroptosis have been summarized, and preclinical studies have shown their potential in attenuating radiation injury. However, further clinical trials are necessary for more credible evidence. Wang et al. summarized the biomarkers of pyroptosis, ferroptosis, and necroptosis, but most of these studies rely on single characteristic molecules to identify specific forms of cell death, which may not fully reflect their actual impact in RT 126. Detecting specific death modes during treatment remains a concern. Drugs with cell death inhibitory effects, such as tetrahydrobiopterin 147, enalapril 138, captopril 135, fenofibrate 148, etc., are being investigated in clinical trials related to radiation injury. However, it is yet to be proven whether the efficacy of these drugs, developed to treat radiation injury, is primarily attributed to inhibiting cell death. The clinical translation of therapies based on cell death modulation is still in the developmental stage.

In clinical settings, radiation injury occurs when normal tissues receive radiation doses intended for non-tumor target areas. However, preclinical models often employ high radiation doses to induce damage, not accurately reflecting the clinical situation. Most studies only mention the total exposure dose in the dosimetry section, lacking information on exposure dose rate, fractionation, and exposure time intervals. To facilitate further progress in research, we provide detailed evidence on the establishment of animal models and radiation injury mechanisms. Some studies may have conflicting dosimetry 109, 149, likely attributed to heterogeneity across studies. Furthermore, due to species differences, there is still a considerable gap before research findings from preclinical models can be translated into clinical practice. FLASH, proton, and heavy ion RT are innovative RT methods aiming to spare normal tissues while effectively targeting tumor cells. Studies have shown that compared to conventional therapy, FLASH-RT induces lower levels of pyroptosis and intestinal injury 110. Investigating pyroptosis, ferroptosis and necroptosis can unveil the protective mechanisms of FLASH, proton, and heavy ion RT on normal tissues.

This article provides a comprehensive review of the involvement of pyroptosis, ferroptosis, and necroptosis in radiation injury generation and their underlying mechanisms. A particular emphasis is placed on the relevant dosimetry, serving as an important reference for future studies. The use of cell death inhibitors specific to these pathways holds promise for providing radioprotective effects. Further research in this field will contribute to establishing a robust theoretical foundation for effectively harnessing pyroptosis, ferroptosis, and necroptosis to mitigate radiation injury.

Supplementary Material

Supplementary tables.

ijbsv20p1871s1.pdf (196.7KB, pdf)

Acknowledgments

Funding

This work was supported by Advanced Lung Cancer Targeted Therapy Research Foundation of China (CTONG-YC20210303), Chen Xiao-Ping Foundation for the Development of Science and Technology of Hubei Province, National Multidisciplinary Cooperative Diagnosis and Treatment Capacity (lung cancer z027002), Beijing Xisike Clinical Oncology and Research Foundation (Y-HR2019-0185).

Author contributions

JN and LC reviewed the literatures, and wrote the manuscript. GT was responsible for conceptualizing the manuscript, reviewing the tables, figures and logic of the manuscript. YZ, GX, WT, QW, JT, SH made critical revisions, modified the grammar, and polished the paper. JN and LC contributed equally to the first author. RZ provides funding support. GT and RZ contributed equally to the corresponding author. All authors reviewed and approved the final manuscript to be published.

Abbreviations

RT

radiotherapy

IR

ionizing radiation

AIM2

prevent absent in melanoma 2

NF-κB

nuclear factor kappa-B

GSDMD

gasdermin D

NLRP3

NOD-like receptor thermal protein domain associated protein 3

ROS

reactive oxygen species

NRF2

nuclear factor erythroid-2 related factor 2

SLC7A11

solute carrier family 7 member 11

GPX4

glutathione peroxidase 4

ACSL4

acyl-CoA synthetase long-chain family member 4

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