Caerin 1.1 and 1.9 peptides induce acute caspase 3/GSDME-mediated pyroptosis in epithelial cancer cells.

ABSTRACT: Caerin peptides exhibit a dual role in cancer treatment by directly killing cancer cells and modulating the tumour microenvironment to enhance anti-tumour immunity. This study investigates the mechanisms underlying caerin 1.1/1.9-induced acute cell death in epithelial cancer cells and explores their therapeutic potential. HeLa, A549, and Huh-7 cancer cell lines were treated with caerin 1.1/1.9 peptides. Morphological observations, flow cytometry, lactate dehydrogenase (LDH) release, and IL-18 secretion assays revealed the occurrence of pyroptosis following treatment. Specifically, a 1-h treatment with caerin 1.1/1.9 induced pyroptosis in HeLa, A549, and Huh-7 cells, characterised by cell swelling, membrane bubbling, and the release of IL-18 and LDH. Western blotting confirmed the upregulat

SUBMITTER: Luo Y 

PROVIDER: S-EPMC12008296 | biostudies-literature | 2025 Apr

REPOSITORIES: biostudies-literature