Corilagin Induces Pyroptosis in AML Cells by Activating the TXNIP-Caspase-3-GSDME Pathway

Acute myeloid leukemia (AML) is a challenging hematological malignancy characterized by high relapse rates and limited treatment options. Compound corilagin, an ellagitannin derived from ethnopharmacological plants, shows promise as an anti-cancer agent, although its anti-leukemic effects remain poorly understood. This study aims to investigate whether corilagin induces cell death in AML cells and explore the underlying mechanisms. In AML cells, corilagin induces pyroptosis, as characterized by the formation of pyroptotic bubbles, increased lactate dehydrogenase (LDH) release and a higher proportion of propidium iodide (PI)-positive cells. Corilagin activates caspase-3, which in turn cleaves gasdermin E (GSDME) to generate GSDME-NT, promoting pyroptosis. Additionally, corilagin activates thioredoxin-interacting protein (TXNIP), and the knockdown of TXNIP rescues cells from corilagin-induced pyroptosis. Corilagin reduces cell viability and induces pyroptosis in primary AML cells, and in an AML cell-derived xenograft (CDX) mouse model, it inhibits leukemia progression and prolongs survival. These findings imply that corilagin induces pyroptosis in AML through the TXNIP/caspase-3/GSDME pathway, presenting a prospective novel therapeutic strategy for AML treatment.