NLRP3 Inflammasome Activation: The Convergence of Multiple Signalling Pathways on ROS Production?

Overview

Journal Nat Rev Immunol

Specialty Allergy & Immunology

Date 2010 Feb 20

PMID 20168318

Citations 868

Authors

Jurg Tschopp

Kate Schroder

Affiliations

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Abstract

The NLR family, pyrin domain-containing 3 (NLRP3) inflammasome is a multiprotein complex that activates caspase 1, leading to the processing and secretion of the pro-inflammatory cytokines interleukin-1beta (IL-1beta) and IL-18. The NLRP3 inflammasome is activated by a wide range of danger signals that derive not only from microorganisms but also from metabolic dysregulation. It is unclear how these highly varied stress signals can be detected by a single inflammasome. In this Opinion article, we review the different signalling pathways that have been proposed to engage the NLRP3 inflammasome and suggest a model in which one of the crucial elements for NLRP3 activation is the generation of reactive oxygen species (ROS).

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