GSDMD and colitis: In contrast, immune-specific GSDMD contributes to removing pathogen-infected intestinal epithelial cells and inhibits dextran sulfate sodium (DSS)-induced colitis in mice.19 In addition, GSDMD also serves as an antibacterial peptide to protect organisms from excessive infiltration of exogenous gram-negative bacteria, including E. coli, S. typhimurium, and B. cenocepacia.