FIGURE 7.

Pathogenic strategies to inhibit pyroptosis. Pathogens block inflammasomes at multiple levels. Pathogens alter their pathogen-associated molecular patterns (PAMPs) or modulate cellular ligands involved in sensor activation. Pathogens inhibit the activation of inflammasome-inducing sensors and the activity of caspases-4, -5, and -11 and caspase-1 to block pyroptosis and the release of IL-1β and IL-18. In the case that IL-1β and IL-18 are released, pathogens block the ability of these proteins to bind their receptors. Specific strategies employed by bacteria and viruses to inhibit pyroptosis are presented in TABLES 1 and 2, respectively. CARD, caspase-recruitment domain; GSDMD, gasdermin D; PYD, pyrin domain.