Molecular probes for monitoring pyroptosis: design, imaging and theranostic application

Pyroptosis is a recently discovered process of programmed cell death that is linked with tumor progression and potential treatment strategies. Unlike other forms of programmed cell death, such as apoptosis or necrosis, pyroptosis is associated with pore-forming proteins gasdermin D (GSDMD), which are cleaved by caspase enzymes to form oligomers. These oligomers are then inserted into the cell surface membrane, causing pores to consequently result in rapid cell death. Pyroptosis, in conjunction with immunotherapy, represents a promising avenue for prognostication and antitumor therapy, providing a more precise direction for disease treatment. To gain deeper insight into the mechanisms underlying pyroptosis in real-time, non-invasive and live cell imaging techniques are urgently needed. Non-invasive imaging techniques can enhance future diagnostic and therapeutic approaches for inflammatory diseases, including different types of tumors. This review article discusses various non-invasive molecular probes for detecting pyroptosis, including genetic reporters and nanomaterials. These strategies can enhance scientists’ understanding of pyroptosis and help discover personalized and effective ways to treat inflammatory diseases, particularly tumors.