Fig. 3

Dual role of pyroptosis in tumor microenvironment remodeling and metastasis. Pyroptosis plays dual roles in TME. The anti-tumor effects could be concluded in two ways, the direct killing effect on tumor cells and immune cell activation. Membrane lysis by gasdermins and disruption of cellular homeostasis are two primary mechanisms through which pyroptosis mediates the killing of tumor cells. While dying cells may release pro-inflammation cytokines and DAMPs which may further attract and recruit immune cells. The pro-tumor effects of pyroptosis can be multifactorial. Peripheral inflammation caused by pyroptosis facilitates the tumor progression. Additionally, NLRP3 inflammasome-mediated pyroptosis can promote angiogenesis in tumors. The impact of pyroptosis on tumor metastasis is complex and context-dependent, and may enhance tumor infiltration and metastasis via IL-1 and IL-18 cytokine release