NLRP3 Inflammasome Activation in Cancer: A Double-Edged Sword

Overview

Journal Front Immunol

Specialty Allergy & Immunology

Date 2020 Aug 1

PMID 32733479

Citations 120

Authors

Shaimaa Hamarsheh

Robert Zeiser

Affiliations

Soon will be listed here.

Abstract

Inflammation is involved in tumor development and progression as well as antitumor response to therapy. In the past decade, the crosstalk between inflammation, immunity, and cancer has been investigated extensively, which led to the identification of several underlying mechanisms and cells involved. The formation of inflammasome complexes leads to the activation of caspase-1, production of interleukin (IL)-1β, and IL-18 and pyroptosis. Multiple studies have shown the involvement of NLRP3 inflammasome in tumorigenesis. Conversely, other reports have indicated a protective role in certain cancers. In this review, we summarize these contradictory roles of NLRP3 inflammasome in cancer, shed the light on oncogenic signaling leading to NLRP3 activation and IL-1β production and outline the current knowledge on therapeutic approaches.

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