Novel Insights into the Interaction between Enteropathogenic Bacteria, Pyroptosis and IBD

Inflammatory bowel disease (IBD) is a chronic and recurrent inflammatory disease of the intestinal tract. The complex pathophysiological mechanisms of IBD include genetic susceptibility, environmental factors, and abnormal immune response of the gut microbiota. Gut microbiota forms a metabolic organ that contributes to human health by performing various physiological functions. The development of IBD is closely linked to the imbalance of gut microbiota. In IBD patients, this imbalance is mainly characterized by an increased abundance of pro-inflammatory microorganisms, specifically enteropathogenic bacteria. Pyroptosis is a form of programmed cell death that can be initiated by microbial infection or host factors. It occurs mostly after intracellular infection with bacteria or pathogens. Other than cell death, its primary effect is to release inflammatory mediators that trigger an inflammatory response in the host. Pyroptosis is an important component of innate immunity and can protect against intracellular risk factors via the inflammatory response. However, excessive activation can cause disease. Previous studies of IBD have indicated a complex relationship between gut microbiota and pyroptosis. Some enteropathogenic bacteria can activate the host’s immune system to clear infected cells. This inhibits the proliferation of enteropathogenic bacteria by inducing pyroptosis and restoring the balance of gut microbiota. However, the initial inflammatory response and damage to the integrity of the intestinal barrier are crucial factors that elicit the onset of IBD and favor its progression. This review summarizes research on the role of several common enteropathogenic bacteria in the development of IBD through their induction of host cell pyroptosis. A better understanding of the complex interactions between gut microbiota and pyroptosis should lead to the identification of new targets and treatment options for IBD.