Pyroptosis is an inflammation-dependent type of cell death that has been in the spotlight
for the scientific community in the last few years. Crucial players in the process of pyroptosis are the
members of the gasdermin family of proteins, which have been parallelly studied. Upon induction
of pyroptosis, gasdermins suffer from structural changes leading to the formation of pores in the
membrane that subsequently cause the release of pro-inflammatory contents. Recently, it has been
discovered that oxidation plays a key role in the activation of certain gasdermins. Here, we review the
current knowledge on pyroptosis and human gasdermins, focusing on the description of the different
members of the family, their molecular structures, and their influence on health and disease directly
or non-directly related to inflammation. Noteworthy, we have focused on the existing understanding
of the role of this family of proteins in cancer, which could translate into novel promising strategies
aimed at benefiting human health. In conclusion, the modulation of pyroptosis and gasdermins by
natural and synthetic compounds through different mechanisms, including modification of the redox
state of cells, has been proven effective and sets precedents for future therapeutic strategies.
