Gasdermins are pore-forming proteins which are activated by proteolytic cleavage. Processing of gasdermins by proteases of the caspase family leads to perforation of the plasma membrane, release of proinflammatory molecules and cell death, known as pyroptosis. The identification of gasdermin homologs in prokaryotes and their implication in the protection against phages indicate an evolutionary ancient role of gasdermins in host defense against infections. Recent research has revealed that mammalian gasdermin A is activated by bacterial proteases to trigger pyroptosis, indicating a dual function of gasdermins as direct sensors of pathogens and executors of an immediate host cell response that limits the spread of infections.
The goal of this Research Topic is to explore the roles of gasdermins in host-pathogen interactions at the molecular level and in the context of diseases. Advances in understanding of the control and functions of gasdermins will help to define their functions in innate immunity and inflammation. The investigation of overactivation or suppression of gasdermin-dependent processes in experimental models and clinical settings is of great interest.
This Research Topic provides a platform for reporting original research, reviews and perspectives on the roles of gasdermins in the defense against pathogens. Our aim is to highlight the biological functions of gasdermins as regulators and executors of innate immunity. The focus of the article collection is on contributions of gasdermins to antimicrobial defense and their relevance for infectious diseases.
We welcome the submission of manuscripts covering the following topics:
• Molecular mechanisms of activation of gasdermins during infections
• Functions of gasdermins as components of innate immunity in epithelia and other tissues
• Gasdermin-induced cell death
• Roles of gasdermins in infectious and other diseases
• Regulation of gasdermin gene expression
• Evolution of gasdermin-mediated immune defense
Gasdermins are pore-forming proteins which are activated by proteolytic cleavage. Processing of gasdermins by proteases of the caspase family leads to perforation of the plasma membrane, release of proinflammatory molecules and cell death, known as pyroptosis. The identification of gasdermin homologs in prokaryotes and their implication in the protection against phages indicate an evolutionary ancient role of gasdermins in host defense against infections. Recent research has revealed that mammalian gasdermin A is activated by bacterial proteases to trigger pyroptosis, indicating a dual function of gasdermins as direct sensors of pathogens and executors of an immediate host cell response that limits the spread of infections.
The goal of this Research Topic is to explore the roles of gasdermins in host-pathogen interactions at the molecular level and in the context of diseases. Advances in understanding of the control and functions of gasdermins will help to define their functions in innate immunity and inflammation. The investigation of overactivation or suppression of gasdermin-dependent processes in experimental models and clinical settings is of great interest.
This Research Topic provides a platform for reporting original research, reviews and perspectives on the roles of gasdermins in the defense against pathogens. Our aim is to highlight the biological functions of gasdermins as regulators and executors of innate immunity. The focus of the article collection is on contributions of gasdermins to antimicrobial defense and their relevance for infectious diseases.
We welcome the submission of manuscripts covering the following topics:
• Molecular mechanisms of activation of gasdermins during infections
• Functions of gasdermins as components of innate immunity in epithelia and other tissues
• Gasdermin-induced cell death
• Roles of gasdermins in infectious and other diseases
• Regulation of gasdermin gene expression
• Evolution of gasdermin-mediated immune defense
