A cell undergoes pyroptosis. The molecular executor cleaving gasdermin D to form plasma membrane pores is:

• A Caspase-3 activated by cytochrome c
• B Caspase-9 in the apoptosome
• C Granzyme B delivered by cytotoxic T lymphocytes
• D Caspase-1 (and caspase-4/5 in humans) activated by the inflammasome ✓

Explanation

Pyroptosis is an inflammatory form of lytic cell death driven by inflammasome-activated caspase-1 (or non-canonical caspase-4/5 in response to cytosolic LPS). These caspases cleave GSDMD; the N-terminal fragment oligomerizes and inserts into the plasma membrane to form ~10-20 nm pores, causing osmotic lysis and simultaneous release of IL-1β and IL-18. Caspase-3 is the key executioner of intrinsic/extrinsic apoptosis. Caspase-9 forms the apoptosome with APAF-1 and cytochrome c but does not cleave GSDMD. Granzyme B activates caspase-3-mediated cytotoxic lymphocyte killing.

Reference: Robbins & Cotran Pathologic Basis of Disease, 10th ed.

High-yield for: NEET PGINI-CETNExTFMGEUSMLEPLABMRCP

Written and medically reviewed by the StethoPrep medical team.