Statins as anti-pyroptotic agents

INTRODUCTION: Pyroptosis is a regulated form of cell death, which is often a consequence of the activation of inflammatory caspases. METHODS: Appropriate inflammatory responses and the induction of pyroptosis enhance the clearance of pathogens and increase innate immunity. RESULTS: However, excessive pyroptosis contributes to a hyperinflammatory response and aggravates tissue damage, thereby causing inflammatory diseases. There have been recent reports on the modulation of pyroptosis by statins, which may explain part of the pleiotropic actions of these drugs in inflammatory diseases and cancer. CONCLUSIONS: Herein, the extant evidence for the potential value of statins in targeting pyroptosis in various diseases is reviewed.