Document Type

Article

Original Publication Date

2015

Journal/Book/Conference Title

Antioxidants and Redox Signaling

Volume

22

Issue

13

DOI of Original Publication

10.1089/ars.2014.5994

Comments

Originally published at http://dx.doi.org/10.1089/ars.2014.5994

Date of Submission

December 2015

Abstract

Significance: Inflammasomes are multiprotein complexes localized within the cytoplasm of the cell that are responsible for the maturation of proinflammatory cytokines such as interleukin-1β (IL-1β) and IL-18, and the activation of a highly inflammatory form of cell death, pyroptosis. In response to infection or cellular stress, inflammasomes are assembled, activated, and involved in host defense and pathophysiology of diseases. Clarification of the molecular mechanisms leading to the activation of this intracellular inflammatory machinery may provide new insights into the concept of inflammation as the root of and route to human diseases. Recent Advances: The activation of inflammasomes, specifically the most fully characterized inflammasome—the nucleotide-binding oligomerization domain (NOD)-like receptor containing pyrin domain 3 (NLRP3) inflammasome, is now emerging as a critical molecular mechanism for many degenerative diseases. Several models have been developed to describe how NLRP3 inflammasomes are activated, including K+ efflux, lysosome function, endoplasmic reticulum (ER) stress, intracellular calcium, ubiquitination, microRNAs, and, in particular, reactive oxygen species (ROS). Critical Issues: ROS may serve as a “kindling” or triggering factor to activate NLRP3 inflammasomes as well as “bonfire” or “effector” molecules, resulting in pathological processes. Increasing evidence seeks to understand how this spatiotemporal action of ROS occurs during NLRP3 inflammasome activation, which will be a major focus of this review. Future Directions: It is imperative to know how this dual action of ROS works during NLRP3 inflammation activation on different stimuli and what relevance such spatiotemporal redox regulation of NLRP3 inflammasomes has in cell or organ functions and possible human diseases.

Rights

Copyright 2015 Mary Ann Liebert, Inc.

Is Part Of

VCU Pharmacology and Toxicology Publications

Share

COinS