Microorganism- and host-derived signals can stimulate formation of a multiprotein complex called the inflammasome, which activates the cysteine protease caspase 1. In turn, caspase 1 triggers an inflammatory programmed cell death pathway known as pyroptosis. Numerous pathogens have evolved a mechanism to subvert pyroptosis and persist within infected cells.
- Tessa Bergsbaken
- Susan L. Fink
- Brad T. Cookson
