Harnessing pyroptosis in breast cancer therapy: immunological mechanisms and emerging biomaterial strategies

Abstract Breast cancer is a complex and predominant long-term medical condition in women. Its complexity is related to its diversity, variable clinical outcomes, and resistance to standard treatments, emphasizing the need for novel treatment strategies. Pyroptosis is a lytic and inflammatory programmed cell death regulated by the gasdermin protein family. It is a critical factor in cancer biology and plays distinct roles in tumor initiation, progression, and response to anticancer treatments. Pyroptosis, with its inflammatory properties, involves the formation of pores in the plasma membrane, resulting in cellular swelling, lysis, and the release of pro-inflammatory intracellular contents, thereby producing a robust immune response. Emerging studies suggest that pyroptosis plays a crucial role in breast cancer development, indicating its potential as a target for novel therapeutic strategies in breast cancer. Pyroptosis has the potential to directly kill malignant cells and elicit anti-cancer immunity. Therefore, targeting pyroptosis is a promising strategy for cancer therapy development. This review compiles recent advancements in the understanding of pyroptosis as a therapeutic target in breast cancer and discusses the molecular pathways responsible for regulating pyroptosis, the expression and roles of gasdermin proteins in breast cancer, and the modulation of pyroptosis to improve anticancer efficacy and address drug resistance.