Activation and regulation of the inflammasomes

Nat Rev Immunol. 2013 Jun;13(6):397-411. doi: 10.1038/nri3452.

Abstract

Inflammasomes are key signalling platforms that detect pathogenic microorganisms and sterile stressors, and that activate the highly pro-inflammatory cytokines interleukin-1β (IL-1β) and IL-18. In this Review, we discuss the complex regulatory mechanisms that facilitate a balanced but effective inflammasome-mediated immune response, and we highlight the similarities to another molecular signalling platform - the apoptosome - that monitors cellular health. Extracellular regulatory mechanisms are discussed, as well as the intracellular control of inflammasome assembly, for example, via ion fluxes, free radicals and autophagy.

Publication types

  • Research Support, N.I.H., Extramural
  • Research Support, N.I.H., Intramural
  • Research Support, Non-U.S. Gov't
  • Review

MeSH terms

  • Autophagy / immunology
  • Carrier Proteins / immunology
  • Carrier Proteins / metabolism
  • Humans
  • Inflammasomes / immunology*
  • Inflammasomes / metabolism
  • Inflammation Mediators / immunology*
  • Inflammation Mediators / metabolism
  • Interleukin-18 / immunology*
  • Interleukin-18 / metabolism
  • Interleukin-1beta / immunology*
  • Interleukin-1beta / metabolism
  • Models, Immunological
  • NLR Family, Pyrin Domain-Containing 3 Protein
  • Receptors, Interleukin-1 / immunology
  • Receptors, Interleukin-1 / metabolism
  • Signal Transduction / immunology*

Substances

  • Carrier Proteins
  • Inflammasomes
  • Inflammation Mediators
  • Interleukin-18
  • Interleukin-1beta
  • NLR Family, Pyrin Domain-Containing 3 Protein
  • NLRP3 protein, human
  • Receptors, Interleukin-1