Identification of two repurposed drugs targeting GSDMD oligomerization interface I to block pyroptosis

Abstract

As an executor of pyroptosis, gasdermin D (GSDMD) plays a critical role in inflammatory diseases and cancer. Thus, GSDMD is currently being widely explored as a drug target. Existing inhibitors targeting GSDMD, such as necrosulfonamide, disulfiram, and fumarate, primarily prevent pyroptosis by modifying human/mouse C191/C192 in the N-terminal fragment of GSDMD. However, cysteine modification can prevent the function of important proteins or enzymes, thereby leading to adverse reactions. Here, we chose an alternative key intervention site for GSDMD activation, which is located at the oligomerization interface I of its pore-forming structure. Through high-throughput virtual and experimental screening and in combination with efficacy and pharmacological validation, we have identified two safe, specific “repurposed drugs” that potently suppress GSDMD-mediated pyroptosis. Moreover, the candidates exhibited synergistic therapeutic effects of “1 + 1>2” in murine sepsis and tumorigenesis models. These recently identified GSDMD inhibitors hold great promise for clinical translation in the development of anti-inflammatory and anti-cancer immunotherapies.