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The NLRP3-Inflammasome in Health and Disease

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A special issue of International Journal of Molecular Sciences (ISSN 1422-0067). This special issue belongs to the section "Molecular Immunology".

Deadline for manuscript submissions: closed (31 March 2022) | Viewed by 39824

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Dr. Anna Perri

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Department of Experimental and Clinical Medicine, University “Magna Graecia” Catanzaro, 88100 Catanzaro, Italy
Interests: cancer endocrinology; molecular biology; signal transduction; p75NTR-signaling; apoptosis; autophagy; EMT; renal and peritoneal fibrosis; inflammation; biological activity of natural compounds in cancer and chronic diseases
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Dear Colleagues,

NLRP3 inflammasome is a key component of the innate immune system, which is activated by a wide range of pathogen-, host- and environment-derived molecules. NLRP3 Inflammasome activation occurs through a canonical and non-canonical pathway, which culminant event is the production of active caspase-1, able to process pro-IL-1β into its mature protein, IL-1β, that, in turn, is considered a crucial mediator of inflammation. However, the physiological role of NLRP3 in healthy individuals remains incompletely understood.

In the last decades, many in vitro and in vivo studies have demonstrated that the aberrant NLRP3 activation is strongly involved in the pathogenesis of prevalent diseases, including inflammatory bowel disease, coronary heart disease, chronic kidney disease, autoimmune diseases, neurodegenerative diseases and cancer. Furthermore, genetic studies uncovered mutations or genetic variants in NLRP3 inflammasome components, conferring the susceptibility for diseases, such as diabetes and systemic inflammation. Finally, recently it has been proposed that dysregulated epigenetic mechanisms may contribute to the clinical manifestations of autoinflammatory syndromes by upregulating the expression of inflammasome components.

Therefore, it is our pleasure to invite investigators to contribute to this Special Issue with original research articles, aimed to better elucidate the current knowledge of the physiological and pathophysiological mechanisms of NLRP3 inflammasome activation in health and diseases and to propose new therapeutic approaches targeting NLRP3 inflammasome.

Dr. Anna Perri
Guest Editor

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Keywords

NLRP3-inflammasome
mitochondrial dysfunction
oxidative stress
IL-1β – IL-18
genetic variants of NLRP3 inflammasome

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The NLRP3-Inflammasome in Health and Disease 2.0 in International Journal of Molecular Sciences (2 articles)

Published Papers (13 papers)

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Editorial

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5 pages, 205 KiB

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The NLRP3-Inflammasome in Health and Disease

by Anna Perri

Int. J. Mol. Sci. 2022, 23(21), 13103; https://0-doi-org.brum.beds.ac.uk/10.3390/ijms232113103 - 28 Oct 2022

Cited by 1 | Viewed by 1110

Abstract

The nucleotide-binding domain (NOD)-, leucine-rich repeat (LRR)-, and pyrin domain (PYD)-containing protein 3, NLRP3, is a multiprotein complex belonging to the innate immune system that can be activated by pathogens or danger-associated molecular patterns [...] Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue The NLRP3-Inflammasome in Health and Disease)

Research

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17 pages, 3783 KiB

Open AccessArticle

NLRP3 Inflammasome Activation Controls Vascular Smooth Muscle Cells Phenotypic Switch in Atherosclerosis

by Fabienne Burger, Daniela Baptista, Aline Roth, Rafaela Fernandes da Silva, Fabrizio Montecucco, François Mach, Karim J. Brandt and Kapka Miteva

Int. J. Mol. Sci. 2022, 23(1), 340; https://0-doi-org.brum.beds.ac.uk/10.3390/ijms23010340 - 29 Dec 2021

Cited by 40 | Viewed by 4961

Abstract

(1) Background: Monocytes and nucleotide-binding oligomerization domain-like receptor protein 3 (NLRP3) inflammasome orchestrate lipid-driven amplification of vascular inflammation promoting the disruption of the fibrous cap. The components of the NLRP3 inflammasome are expressed in macrophages and foam cells within human carotid atherosclerotic plaques and VSMCs in hypertension. Whether monocytes and NLRP3 inflammasome activation are direct triggers of VSMC phenotypic switch and plaque disruption need to be investigated. (2) Methods: The direct effect of oxLDL-activated monocytes in VSMCs co-cultured system was demonstrated via flow cytometry, qPCR, ELISA, caspase 1, and pyroptosis assay. Aortic roots of VSMCs lineage tracing mice fed normal or high cholesterol diet and human atherosclerotic plaques were used for immunofluorescence quantification of NLRP3 inflammasome activation/VSMCs phenotypic switch. (3) Results: OxLDL-activated monocytes reduced α-SMA, SM22α, Oct-4, and upregulation of KLF-4 and macrophage markers MAC2, F4/80 and CD68 expression as well as caspase 1 activation, IL-1β secretion, and pyroptosis in VSMCs. Increased caspase 1 and IL-1β in phenotypically modified VSMCs was detected in the aortic roots of VSMCs lineage tracing mice fed high cholesterol diet and in human atherosclerotic plaques from carotid artery disease patients who experienced a stroke. (4) Conclusions: Taken together, these results provide evidence that monocyte promote VSMC phenotypic switch through VSMC NLRP3 inflammasome activation with a likely detrimental role in atherosclerotic plaque stability in human atherosclerosis. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue The NLRP3-Inflammasome in Health and Disease)

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14 pages, 1076 KiB

Open AccessArticle

Characterizing the NLRP3 Inflammasome in Mood Disorders: Overview, Technical Development, and Measures of Peripheral Activation in Adolescent Patients

by Xinyang Zhou, Shehan M. Fernando, Alexander Y. Pan, Rebecca Laposa, Kathryn R. Cullen, Bonnie Klimes-Dougan and Ana C. Andreazza

Int. J. Mol. Sci. 2021, 22(22), 12513; https://0-doi-org.brum.beds.ac.uk/10.3390/ijms222212513 - 19 Nov 2021

Cited by 7 | Viewed by 2611

Abstract

The NOD-, LRR-, and pyrin-domain-containing protein 3 (NLRP3) inflammasome is a node of intracellular stress pathways and a druggable target which integrates mitochondrial stress and inflammatory cascades. While a body of evidence suggests the involvement of the NLRP3 inflammasome in numerous diseases, a lack of reliable measurement techniques highlights the need for a robust assay using small quantities of biological samples. We present a literature overview on peripheral activation of the NLRP3 inflammasome in mood disorders, then outline a process to develop and validate a robust assay to measure baseline and activated intracellular levels of “apoptosis-associated speck-like protein containing a CARD” (ASC) as a key component of an inflammatory profile in peripheral blood mononuclear cells (PBMC). A consistent association between high NLRP3 mRNA levels and relevant cytokines was seen in the literature. Using our method to measure ASC, stimulation of PBMC with lipopolysaccharide and nigericin or adenosine triphosphate resulted in microscopic identification of intracellular ASC specks, as well as interleukin 1 (IL-1) beta and caspase-1 p10 in the periphery. This was abolished by dose-dependent pre-treatment with 100 nM MCC950. We also report the use of this technique in a small pilot sample from patients with bipolar disorder and depressive disorders. The results show that levels of intracellular ASC and IL-1 beta are sensitive to change upon activation and maintained over time, which may be used to improve the detection of NLRP3 activation and guide personalized therapeutic strategy in the treatment of patients. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue The NLRP3-Inflammasome in Health and Disease)

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14 pages, 3190 KiB

Open AccessArticle

The Role of Cytokines Produced via the NLRP3 Inflammasome in Mouse Macrophages Stimulated with Dental Calculus in Osteoclastogenesis

by Megumi Mae, Mohammad Ibtehaz Alam, Yasunori Yamashita, Yukio Ozaki, Kanako Higuchi, S. M. Ziauddin, Jorge Luis Montenegro Raudales, Eiko Sakai, Takayuki Tsukuba and Atsutoshi Yoshimura

Int. J. Mol. Sci. 2021, 22(22), 12434; https://0-doi-org.brum.beds.ac.uk/10.3390/ijms222212434 - 18 Nov 2021

Cited by 7 | Viewed by 2451

Abstract

Dental calculus (DC) is a common deposit in periodontitis patients. We have previously shown that DC contains both microbial components and calcium phosphate crystals that induce an osteoclastogenic cytokine IL-1β via the NLRP3 inflammasome in macrophages. In this study, we examined the effects of cytokines produced by mouse macrophages stimulated with DC on osteoclastogenesis. The culture supernatants from wild-type (WT) mouse macrophages stimulated with DC accelerated osteoclastogenesis in RANKL-primed mouse bone marrow macrophages (BMMs), but inhibited osteoclastogenesis in RANKL-primed RAW-D cells. WT, but not NLRP3-deficient, mouse macrophages stimulated with DC produced IL-1β and IL-18 in a dose-dependent manner, indicating the NLRP3 inflammasome-dependent production of IL-1β and IL-18. Both WT and NLRP3-deficient mouse macrophages stimulated with DC produced IL-10, indicating the NLRP3 inflammasome-independent production of IL-10. Recombinant IL-1β accelerated osteoclastogenesis in both RANKL-primed BMMs and RAW-D cells, whereas recombinant IL-18 and IL-10 inhibited osteoclastogenesis. These results indicate that DC induces osteoclastogenic IL-1β in an NLRP3 inflammasome-dependent manner and anti-osteogenic IL-18 and IL-10 dependently and independently of the NLRP3 inflammasome, respectively. DC may promote alveolar bone resorption via IL-1β induction in periodontitis patients, but suppress resorption via IL-18 and IL-10 induction in some circumstances. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue The NLRP3-Inflammasome in Health and Disease)

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18 pages, 3684 KiB

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Activation of the NLRP3 Inflammasome Increases the IL-1β Level and Decreases GLUT4 Translocation in Skeletal Muscle during Insulin Resistance

by Luan Américo-Da-Silva, Javiera Aguilera, Oscar Quinteros-Waltemath, Pablo Sánchez-Aguilera, Javier Russell, Cynthia Cadagan, Roberto Meneses-Valdés, Gina Sánchez, Manuel Estrada, Gonzalo Jorquera, Genaro Barrientos and Paola Llanos

Int. J. Mol. Sci. 2021, 22(19), 10212; https://0-doi-org.brum.beds.ac.uk/10.3390/ijms221910212 - 23 Sep 2021

Cited by 16 | Viewed by 3648

Abstract

Low-grade chronic inflammation plays a pivotal role in the pathogenesis of insulin resistance (IR), and skeletal muscle has a central role in this condition. NLRP3 inflammasome activation pathways promote low-grade chronic inflammation in several tissues. However, a direct link between IR and NLRP3 inflammasome activation in skeletal muscle has not been reported. Here, we evaluated the NLRP3 inflammasome components and their role in GLUT4 translocation impairment in skeletal muscle during IR. Male C57BL/6J mice were fed with a normal control diet (NCD) or high-fat diet (HFD) for 8 weeks. The protein levels of NLRP3, ASC, caspase-1, gasdermin-D (GSDMD), and interleukin (IL)-1β were measured in both homogenized and isolated fibers from the flexor digitorum brevis (FDB) or soleus muscle. GLUT4 translocation was determined through GLUT4myc-eGFP electroporation of the FBD muscle. Our results, obtained using immunofluorescence, showed that adult skeletal muscle expresses the inflammasome components. In the FDB and soleus muscles, homogenates from HFD-fed mice, we found increased protein levels of NLRP3 and ASC, higher activation of caspase-1, and elevated IL-1β in its mature form, compared to NCD-fed mice. Moreover, GSDMD, a protein that mediates IL-1β secretion, was found to be increased in HFD-fed-mice muscles. Interestingly, MCC950, a specific pharmacological NLRP3 inflammasome inhibitor, promoted GLUT4 translocation in fibers isolated from the FDB muscle of NCD- and HFD-fed mice. In conclusion, we found increased NLRP3 inflammasome components in adult skeletal muscle of obese insulin-resistant animals, which might contribute to the low-grade chronic metabolic inflammation of skeletal muscle and IR development. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue The NLRP3-Inflammasome in Health and Disease)

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15 pages, 8433 KiB

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Acute Glucose Shift Induces the Activation of the NLRP3 Inflammasome in THP-1 Cells

by Ji Yeon Lee, Yup Kang, Hae Jin Kim, Dae Jung Kim, Kwan Woo Lee and Seung Jin Han

Int. J. Mol. Sci. 2021, 22(18), 9952; https://0-doi-org.brum.beds.ac.uk/10.3390/ijms22189952 - 15 Sep 2021

Cited by 5 | Viewed by 2339

Abstract

We aimed to investigate the effect of acute glucose shift on the activation of the NLRP3 inflammasome, IL-1β secretion, and underlying signaling pathways in THP-1 cells. THP-1 cells were divided into four groups and exposed to the following glucose concentrations for 24 h: constant normal glucose (NG, 5.5 mM), constant high glucose (HG, 25 mM), normal to high glucose shift (NG-to-HG, 5.5 to 25 mM), and high to normal glucose shift (HG-to-NG, 25 to 5.5 mM). Cell viability, oxidative stress, and the levels of NLRP3 inflammasome components were assessed. Both directions of the acute glucose shift increased the activation of the NLRP3 inflammasome, generation of reactive oxygen species (ROS), and expression of phosphorylated p38 MAPK, JNK, and NF-κB compared with either constant NG or HG. Treatment with N-acetylcysteine, a pharmacological antioxidant, inhibited the acute glucose shift-induced generation of ROS, activation of NLRP3 inflammasome, and upregulation of MAPK-NF-κB. Further analysis using inhibitors of p38 MAPK, JNK, and NF-κB indicated that acute glucose shifts promoted IL-1β secretion by activating the signaling pathway in a ROS-MAPK-NF-κB-NLRP3 inflammasome in THP-1 cells. These findings suggested that acute changes in glucose concentration might cause monocyte inflammation, which is associated with diabetic complications. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue The NLRP3-Inflammasome in Health and Disease)

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17 pages, 2617 KiB

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Inhibition of P2X7 Purinergic Receptor Ameliorates Fibromyalgia Syndrome by Suppressing NLRP3 Pathway

by Ramona D’Amico, Roberta Fusco, Rosalba Siracusa, Daniela Impellizzeri, Alessio Filippo Peritore, Enrico Gugliandolo, Livia Interdonato, Andrea Maria Sforza, Rosalia Crupi, Salvatore Cuzzocrea, Tiziana Genovese, Marika Cordaro and Rosanna Di Paola

Int. J. Mol. Sci. 2021, 22(12), 6471; https://0-doi-org.brum.beds.ac.uk/10.3390/ijms22126471 - 16 Jun 2021

Cited by 30 | Viewed by 2991

Abstract

Fibromyalgia is a chronic condition characterized by persistent widespread pain that significantly reduces quality of life in patients. The purinergic P2X7 receptor (P2X7R) seems to be involved in different pain states and neuroinflammation. The purpose of this study is to investigate the positive effects of P2X7R inhibition by the antagonist Brilliant Blue G (BBG) in a rat model of reserpine-induced fibromyalgia. Sprague–Dawley male rats were injected with 1 mg/kg of reserpine for three consecutive days. Later, animals were administered BBG (50 mg/kg) intraperitoneally for seven days. Reserpine injections induced a significant increase in pain pro-inflammatory mediators as well as a significant increase in neuroinflammation. Chronic pain, in turn, led to depressive-like symptoms and reduced neurogenesis. Blockage of P2X7R by BBG administrations is able to attenuate the behavioral deficits, pain mediators and microglial activation induced by reserpine injection. Additionally, BBG prevents NLRP3 inflammasome activation and consequently the release of active interleukin (IL)-1 and IL-18, involved in the activation of nociceptors. In conclusion, these results suggest that inhibition of P2X7R should be further investigated to develop a potential approach for the management of fibromyalgia. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue The NLRP3-Inflammasome in Health and Disease)

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14 pages, 2631 KiB

Open AccessArticle

TAS-116, a Well-Tolerated Hsp90 Inhibitor, Prevents the Activation of the NLRP3 Inflammasome in Human Retinal Pigment Epithelial Cells

by Sofia Ranta-aho, Niina Piippo, Eveliina Korhonen, Kai Kaarniranta, Maria Hytti and Anu Kauppinen

Int. J. Mol. Sci. 2021, 22(9), 4875; https://0-doi-org.brum.beds.ac.uk/10.3390/ijms22094875 - 05 May 2021

Cited by 13 | Viewed by 3262

Abstract

Chronic inflammation has been associated with several chronic diseases, such as age-related macular degeneration (AMD). The NLRP3 inflammasome is a central proinflammatory signaling complex that triggers caspase-1 activation leading to the maturation of IL-1β. We have previously shown that the inhibition of the chaperone protein, Hsp90, prevents NLRP3 activation in human retinal pigment epithelial (RPE) cells; these are cells which play a central role in the pathogenesis of AMD. In that study, we used a well-known Hsp90 inhibitor geldanamycin, but it cannot be used as a therapy due to its adverse effects, including ocular toxicity. Here, we have tested the effects of a novel Hsp90 inhibitor, TAS-116, on NLRP3 activation using geldanamycin as a reference compound. Using our existing protocol, inflammasome activation was induced in IL-1α-primed ARPE-19 cells with the proteasome and autophagy inhibitors MG-132 and bafilomycin A1, respectively. Intracellular caspase-1 activity was determined using a commercial caspase-1 activity kit and the FLICA assay. The levels of IL-1β were measured from cell culture medium samples by ELISA. Cell viability was monitored by the 3-(4,5-dimethylthiazol-2-yl)-2,5-diphenyltetrazolium bromide (MTT) test and lactate dehydrogenase (LDH) measurements. Our findings show that TAS-116 could prevent the activation of caspase-1, subsequently reducing the release of mature IL-1β. TAS-116 has a better in vitro therapeutic index than geldanamycin. In summary, TAS-116 appears to be a well-tolerated Hsp90 inhibitor, with the capability to prevent the activation of the NLRP3 inflammasome in human RPE cells. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue The NLRP3-Inflammasome in Health and Disease)

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13 pages, 3682 KiB

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Rhabdomyolysis-Induced AKI Was Ameliorated in NLRP3 KO Mice via Alleviation of Mitochondrial Lipid Peroxidation in Renal Tubular Cells

by Seok Jong Song, Su-mi Kim, Sang-ho Lee, Ju-Young Moon, Hyeon Seok Hwang, Jin Sug Kim, Seon-Hwa Park, Kyung Hwan Jeong and Yang Gyun Kim

Int. J. Mol. Sci. 2020, 21(22), 8564; https://0-doi-org.brum.beds.ac.uk/10.3390/ijms21228564 - 13 Nov 2020

Cited by 25 | Viewed by 2309

Abstract

Introduction: A recent study showed that early renal tubular injury is ameliorated in Nod-like receptor pyrin domain-containing protein 3 (NLRP3) KO mice with rhabdomyolysis-induced acute kidney injury (RIAKI). However, the precise mechanism has not been determined. Therefore, we investigated the role of NLRP3 in renal tubular cells in RIAKI. Methods: Glycerol-mediated RIAKI was induced in NLRP3 KO and wild-type (WT) mice. The mice were euthanized 24 h after glycerol injection, and both kidneys and plasma were collected. HKC-8 cells were treated with ferrous myoglobin to mimic a rhabdomyolytic environment. Results: Glycerol injection led to increase serum creatinine, aspartate aminotransferase (AST), and renal kidney injury molecule-1 (KIM-1) level; renal tubular necrosis; and apoptosis. Renal injury was attenuated in NLRP3 KO mice, while muscle damage and renal neutrophil recruitment did not differ between NLRP3 KO mice and WT mice. Following glycerin injection, increases in cleaved caspase-3, poly (ADP-ribose) polymerase (PARP), and a decrease in the glutathione peroxidase 4 (GPX-4) level were observed in the kidneys of mice with RIAKI, and these changes were alleviated in the kidneys of NLRP3 KO mice. NLRP3 was upregulated, and cell viability was suppressed in HKC-8 cells treated with ferrous myoglobin. Myoglobin-induced apoptosis and lipid peroxidation were significantly decreased in siNLRP3-treated HKC-8 cells compared to ferrous myoglobin-treated HKC-8 cells. Myoglobin reduced the mitochondrial membrane potential and increased mitochondrial fission and reactive oxygen species (ROS) and lipid peroxidation levels, which were restored to normal levels in NLRP3-depleted HKC-8 cells. Conclusions: NLRP3 depletion ameliorated renal tubular injury in a murine glycerol-induced acute kidney injury (AKI) model. A lack of NLRP3 improved tubular cell viability via attenuation of myoglobin-induced mitochondrial injury and lipid peroxidation, which might be the critical factor in protecting the kidney. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue The NLRP3-Inflammasome in Health and Disease)

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Review

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The Role of NLRP3 Inflammasome Activation and Oxidative Stress in Varicocele-Mediated Male Hypofertility

by Giulia Poli, Consuelo Fabi, Chiara Sugoni, Marina Maria Bellet, Claudio Costantini, Giovanni Luca and Stefano Brancorsini

Int. J. Mol. Sci. 2022, 23(9), 5233; https://0-doi-org.brum.beds.ac.uk/10.3390/ijms23095233 - 07 May 2022

Cited by 7 | Viewed by 2880

Abstract

Varicocele (VC) is the most common abnormality identified in men evaluated for hypofertility. Increased levels of reactive oxygen species (ROS) and reduced antioxidants concentrations are key contributors in varicocele-mediated hypofertility. Moreover, inflammation and alterations in testicular immunity negatively impact male fertility. In particular, NLRP3 inflammasome activation was hypothesized to lead to seminal inflammation, in which the levels of specific cytokines, such as IL-1β and IL-18, are overexpressed. In this review, we described the role played by oxidative stress (OS), inflammation, and NLRP3 inflammasome activation in VC disease. The consequences of ROS overproduction in testis, including inflammation, lipid peroxidation, mitochondrial dysfunction, chromatin damage, and sperm DNA fragmentation, leading to abnormal testicular function and failed spermatogenesis, were highlighted. Finally, we described some therapeutic antioxidant strategies, with recognized beneficial effects in counteracting OS and inflammation in testes, as possible therapeutic drugs against varicocele-mediated hypofertility. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue The NLRP3-Inflammasome in Health and Disease)

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12 pages, 822 KiB

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The Role of NLRP3 Inflammasome in Lupus Nephritis

by Camila Barbosa Oliveira, Camilla Albertina Dantas Lima, Gisele Vajgel and Paula Sandrin-Garcia

Int. J. Mol. Sci. 2021, 22(22), 12476; https://0-doi-org.brum.beds.ac.uk/10.3390/ijms222212476 - 19 Nov 2021

Cited by 26 | Viewed by 3239

Abstract

Lupus nephritis (LN) is the most frequent and severe of systemic lupus erythematosus (SLE) clinical manifestations and contributes to the increase of morbidity and mortality of patients due to chronic kidney disease. The NLRP3 (NLR pyrin domain containing 3) is a member of the NLR (NOD-like receptors), and its activation results in the production of pro-inflammatory cytokines, which can contribute to the pathogenesis of LN. In this review manuscript, we approach the relation between the NLRP3 inflammasome, SLE, and LN, highlighting the influence of genetic susceptibility of NLRP3 polymorphisms in the disease; the main functional studies using cellular and animal models of NLRP3 activation; and finally, some mechanisms of NLRP3 inhibition for the development of possible therapeutic drugs for LN. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue The NLRP3-Inflammasome in Health and Disease)

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16 pages, 1182 KiB

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The NLRP3 Inflammasome: Relevance in Solid Organ Transplantation

by Ryan M. Burke, Bethany L. Dale and Shamik Dholakia

Int. J. Mol. Sci. 2021, 22(19), 10721; https://0-doi-org.brum.beds.ac.uk/10.3390/ijms221910721 - 03 Oct 2021

Cited by 10 | Viewed by 2874

Abstract

The NOD, LRR, and pyrin domain-containing 3 (NLRP3) protein has been established as a central component of the inflammasome and regulates the inflammatory response to a myriad of environmental, microbial, and endogenous danger stimuli. Assembly of the NLRP3 inflammasome results in the cleavage and activation of caspase-1, in turn causing release of the pro-inflammatory interleukins 1-beta and 18. This activation response, while crucial to coordinated innate immune defense, can be aberrantly activated by the likes of cell-free DNA, and cause significant autoimmune pathology. Complications of autoimmunity induced by aberrant NLRP3 inflammasome activation have a great degree of mechanistic crossover with alloimmune injury in solid organ transplant, and stratagems to neutralize NLRP3 inflammasome activation may prove beneficial in solid organ transplant management. This article reviews NLRP3 inflammasome biology and the pathology associated with its hyperactivation, as well as the connections between NLRP3 inflammasome activation and allograft homeostasis. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue The NLRP3-Inflammasome in Health and Disease)

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15 pages, 12179 KiB

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The Crucial Role of NLRP3 Inflammasome in Viral Infection-Associated Fibrosing Interstitial Lung Diseases

by Wiwin Is Effendi and Tatsuya Nagano

Int. J. Mol. Sci. 2021, 22(19), 10447; https://0-doi-org.brum.beds.ac.uk/10.3390/ijms221910447 - 28 Sep 2021

Cited by 13 | Viewed by 2874

Abstract

Idiopathic pulmonary fibrosis (IPF), one of the most common fibrosing interstitial lung diseases (ILD), is a chronic-age-related respiratory disease that rises from repeated micro-injury of the alveolar epithelium. Environmental influences, intrinsic factors, genetic and epigenetic risk factors that lead to chronic inflammation might be implicated in the development of IPF. The exact triggers that initiate the fibrotic response in IPF remain enigmatic, but there is now increasing evidence supporting the role of chronic exposure of viral infection. During viral infection, activation of the NLRP3 inflammasome by integrating multiple cellular and molecular signaling implicates robust inflammation, fibroblast proliferation, activation of myofibroblast, matrix deposition, and aberrant epithelial-mesenchymal function. Overall, the crosstalk of the NLRP3 inflammasome and viruses can activate immune responses and inflammasome-associated molecules in the development, progression, and exacerbation of IPF. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue The NLRP3-Inflammasome in Health and Disease)

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