Figure 6.

Schematic illustration of pyroptosis and size-transformable nanoparticles. (A) Multiple nanomedicines regulate the expression of caspase proteins that mediate the pyroptosis process. Activated caspases cut gasdermin (GSDM) into two fragments: the C-terminal domain and the N-terminal domain. Following cleavage, the gasdermin-N domains result in cell swelling with big bubbles. Gasdermin-induced pyroptosis results in the release of a massive quantity of proinflammatory molecules and activation of T cells. (B) Use of size-transformable nanoparticles to prolong the circulation time and realize deep penetration.