Fig. 7: Model of caspase-11 activation.
From: Crystal structure of caspase-11 CARD provides insights into caspase-11 activation
LPS, a component of gram-negative bacteria, can be delivered into the cytosol of host cells. The presence of intracellular LPS results in the activation of the non-canonical inflammasome signaling pathway. The activation of caspase-11 requires the aggregation of CARD from a monomer, via a homodimer, to a homotetramer, then the oligomerization of caspase-11 induces self-cleavage, which results in the release of the catalytic domain of caspase-11. The catalytic domain of caspase-11 then cleaves GSDMD, inducing pyroptosis.
