 Mitochondrial DNA, MTDNA, has been found to be released from nucleus pulposus cells, NPCs, during intervertebral disc degeneration, IVDD, which is associated with pyraptosis and inflammatory responses. This study suggests that MTDNA may trigger the toll-like receptor 9, TLR9, nucleofacta Kappa B, NFB, nucleotide-binding domain Usine-rich repeat containing protein 3, NLRP3, inflammasome axis, resulting in pyraptatic cell death and IVDD. The authors also demonstrate that blocking MTDNA release or TLR9 activation prevents this process, suggesting that targeting these mechanisms could be beneficial for treating IVDD. This article was authored by Peng Lu, Huayong Zheng, Hao Meng, and others.