Inflammasomes and Pyroptosis as Therapeutic Targets for COVID-19

The inflammatory response to severe acute respiratory syndrome–related coronavirus 2 infection has a direct impact on the clinical outcomes of coronavirus disease 2019 patients. Of the many innate immune pathways that are engaged by severe acute respiratory syndrome–related coronavirus 2, we highlight the importance of the inflammasome pathway. We discuss available pharmaceutical agents that target a critical component of inflammasome activation, signaling leading to cellular pyroptosis, and the downstream cytokines as a promising target for the treatment of severe coronavirus disease 2019–associated diseases.