Systemic lupus erythematosus (SLE) is an autoimmune disease characterized by disrupted tolerance against nucleic acids, which form immune complexes with antibodies, finally leading to tissue damage. However, the mechanisms underlying the release of DNA from cells remain unexplained.

Previous research has shown that cytotoxic lymphocytes rely on gasdermin-mediated pyroptosis to kill tumor cells. Pyroptosis appears to be closely involved in anticancer immune response and has therefore emerged as a promising strategy for cancer treatment. In a recently published study, scientists at the University of Wisconsin-Madison aimed to leverage gasdermin-triggered pyroptosis for antitumor immunotherapy.

Omass Therapeutics Ltd. has raised £75.5 million (US$94.6 million) in a series B round, as it continues to advance five small-molecule programs against previously intractable membrane-bound targets to the clinic.