Caspase‐4 mediates non‐canonical activation of the NLRP3 inflammasome in human myeloid cells

Inflammasome activation culminates in activation of caspase‐1, which leads to the maturation and subsequent release of cytokines of the interleukin 1 (IL‐1) family and results in a particular form of cell death known as pyroptosis. In addition, in the murine system, a so‐called non‐canonical inflammasome involving caspase‐11 has been described that directly responds to cytosolic LPS. Here, we show that the human monocytic cell line THP1 activates the inflammasome in response to cytosolic LPS in a TLR4‐independent fashion. This response is mediated by caspase‐4 and accompanied by caspase‐1 activation, pyroptosis, and IL‐1β maturation. In addition to caspase‐4, efficient IL‐1β conversion upon intracellular LPS delivery relies on potassium efflux, NLRP3, ASC, and caspase‐1, indicating that although caspase‐4 activation alone is sufficient to induce pyroptosis, this process depends on the NLRP3 inflammasome activation to drive IL‐1β maturation. Altogether, this study provides evidence for the presence of a non‐canonical inflammasome in humans and its dependence on caspase‐4.     

Potassium efflux fires the canon: Potassium efflux as a common trigger for canonical and noncanonical NLRP3 pathways

Murine caspase‐11 and its human orthologues, caspase‐4 and caspase‐5, activate an inflammatory response following cytoplasmic recognition of cell wall constituents from Gram‐negative bacteria, such as LPS. This inflammatory response involves pyroptotic cell death and the concomitant release of IL‐1α, as well as the production of IL‐1β and IL‐18 through the noncanonical NLR family, pyrin domain containing 3 (NLRP3) pathway. This commentary discusses three papers in this issue of the European Journal of Immunology that advance our understanding of the roles of caspase‐11, ‐4, and ‐5 in the noncanonical pathway. By utilizing the new gene editing technique, clustered regularly interspaced short palindromic repeats (CRISPR), as well as sensitive cell imaging techniques, these papers establish that cytoplasmic LPS‐dependent IL‐1β production requires the NLRP3 inflammasome and that its activation is dependent on K⁺ efflux, whereas IL‐1α release and pyroptotic cell death pathways are NLRP3‐independent. These findings expand on previous research implicating K⁺ efflux as the principal trigger for NLRP3 activation and suggest that canonical and noncanonical NLRP3 pathways are not as dissimilar as first thought.     

NLRP3炎症小体活化促进上皮细胞焦亡诱导变应性鼻炎

目的 研究NLRP3炎症小体激活在变异性鼻炎的发生发展中的作用,并试图探讨其潜在的机制.方法 利用野生型(wide-type,WT)和NLRP3基因敲除(knock out,KO)小鼠构建卵清蛋白(ovalbumin,OVA)诱导的变异性鼻炎模型.按照体质量将小鼠随机分为4组:WT、WT-OVA、NLRP3 KO、NL...     

The orphan receptor Nur77 binds cytoplasmic LPS to activate the non-canonical NLRP3 inflammasome

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miR‐29c‐3p inhibits microglial NLRP3 inflammasome activation by targeting NFAT5 in Parkinson's disease

Microglial inflammation is identified as a key process associated with Parkinson's disease (PD) pathogenesis. Our previous study showed that miR‐29c‐3p (miR‐29c) exhibited anti‐inflammatory properties in PD animal and neuronal models. However, the specific role and regulatory mechanism of miR‐29c played in microglia are still unclear. In this study, lipopolysaccharide (LPS)‐stimulated BV‐2 cells were used to establish a cellular model of microglial activation for investigating PD. The results showed a decreased expression of miR‐29c in LPS‐induced BV‐2 cells. Over‐expression of miR‐29c suppressed LPS‐triggered Iba‐1 increment, pro‐inflammatory cytokine release, and NF‐кB and TXNIP/NLRP3 inflammasome activation. Silence of miR‐29c induced similar effects with LPS on microglial inflammation. In addition, we found that NFAT5 was negatively correlated with miR‐29c. Knockdown of NFAT5 blocked the aggravated inflammation in microglia treated by miR‐29c inhibitor. Thus, these findings suggest that miR‐29c modulates NLRP3 inflammasome to impair microglial inflammatory responses by targeting NFAT5, which represents a promising therapeutic target for PD.     

Damage control: Management of cellular stress by the NLRP3 inflammasome

The NLRP3 inflammasome plays a critical role in regulating inflammatory and cell death pathways in response to a diverse array of stimuli. Activation of the NLRP3 inflammasome results in activation of the cysteine protease caspase‐1 and the subsequent processing and secretion of the proinflammatory cytokines IL‐1β and IL‐18. In this issue of the European Journal of Immunology, Licandro et al. [Eur. J. Immunol. 2013. 43, 2126–2137] show that the NLRP3 inflammasome contributes to oxidative DNA damage. In addition, activation of the NLRP3 inflammasome modulates a number of pathways involved in DNA damage repair, cell cycle, and apoptosis, suggesting a novel role for the NLRP3 inflammasome in DNA damage responses following cellular stress.     

NLRP3 inflammasome activation and cell death

The NLRP3 inflammasome is a cytosolic multiprotein complex composed of the innate immune receptor protein NLRP3, adapter protein ASC, and inflammatory protease caspase-1 that responds to microbial infection, endogenous danger signals, and environmental stimuli. The assembled NLRP3 inflammasome can activate the protease caspase‐1 to induce gasdermin D-dependent pyroptosis and facilitate the release of IL-1β and IL-18, which contribute to innate immune defense and homeostatic maintenance. However, aberrant activation of the NLRP3 inflammasome is associated with the pathogenesis of various inflammatory diseases, such as diabetes, cancer, and Alzheimer’s disease. Recent studies have revealed that NLRP3 inflammasome activation contributes to not only pyroptosis but also other types of cell death, including apoptosis, necroptosis, and ferroptosis. In addition, various effectors of cell death have been reported to regulate NLRP3 inflammasome activation, suggesting that cell death is closely related to NLRP3 inflammasome activation. In this review, we summarize the inextricable link between NLRP3 inflammasome activation and cell death and discuss potential therapeutics that target cell death effectors in NLRP3 inflammasome-associated diseases.     

Molecular mechanisms regulating NLRP3 inflammasome activation

Inflammasomes are multi-protein signaling complexes that trigger the activation of inflammatory caspases and the maturation of interleukin-1β. Among various inflammasome complexes, the NLRP3 inflammasome is best characterized and has been linked with various human autoinflammatory and autoimmune diseases. Thus, the NLRP3 inflammasome may be a promising target for anti-inflammatory therapies. In this review, we summarize the current understanding of the mechanisms by which the NLRP3 inflammasome is activated in the cytosol. We also describe the binding partners of NLRP3 inflammasome complexes activating or inhibiting the inflammasome assembly. Our knowledge of the mechanisms regulating NLRP3 inflammasome signaling and how these influence inflammatory responses offers further insight into potential therapeutic strategies to treat inflammatory diseases associated with dysregulation of the NLRP3 inflammasome.     

Initiation and perpetuation of NLRP3 inflammasome activation and assembly

The NLRP3 (NOD-like receptor family, pyrin domain containing 3) inflammasome is a multiprotein complex that orchestrates innate immune responses to infection and cell stress through activation of caspase-1 and maturation of inflammatory cytokines pro-interleukin-1β (pro-IL-1β) and pro-IL-18. Activation of the inflammasome during infection can be protective, but unregulated NLRP3 inflammasome activation in response to non-pathogenic endogenous or exogenous stimuli can lead to unintended pathology. NLRP3 associates with mitochondria and mitochondrial molecules, and activation of the NLRP3 inflammasome in response to diverse stimuli requires cation flux, mitochondrial Ca²⁺ uptake, and mitochondrial reactive oxygen species accumulation. It remains uncertain whether NLRP3 surveys mitochondrial integrity and senses mitochondrial damage, or whether mitochondria simply serve as a physical platform for inflammasome assembly. The structure of the active, caspase-1-processing NLRP3 inflammasome also requires further clarification, but recent studies describing the prion-like properties of ASC have advanced the understanding of how inflammasome assembly and caspase-1 activation occur while raising new questions regarding the propagation and resolution of NLRP3 inflammasome activation. Here, we review the mechanisms and pathways regulating NLRP3 inflammasome activation, discuss emerging concepts in NLRP3 complex organization, and expose the knowledge gaps hindering a comprehensive understanding of NLRP3 activation.     

Negative regulation of Nod‐like receptor protein 3 inflammasome activation by T cell Ig mucin‐3 protects against peritonitis

The Nod‐like receptor protein 3 (NLRP3) inflammasome plays roles in host defence against invading pathogens and in the development of autoimmune damage. Strict regulation of these responses is important to avoid detrimental effects. Here, we demonstrate that T cell Ig mucin‐3 (Tim‐3), an immune checkpoint inhibitor, inhibits NLRP3 inflammasome activation by damping basal and lipopolysaccharide‐induced nuclear factor‐κB‐mediated up‐regulation of NLRP3 and interleukin‐1β during the priming step and basal and ATP/lipopolysaccharide‐induced ATP production, K⁺ efflux, and reactive oxygen species production during the activation step. Residues Y256/Y263 in the C‐terminal region of Tim‐3 are required for these inhibitory effects on the NLRP3 inflammasome. In mice with alum‐induced peritonitis, blockade of Tim‐3 exacerbates peritonitis by overcoming the inhibitory effect of Tim‐3 on NLRP3 inflammasome activation, while transgenic expression of Tim‐3 attenuates inflammation by inhibiting NLRP3 inflammasome activation. Our results show that Tim‐3 is a critical negative regulator of NLRP3 inflammasome and provides a potential target for intervention of diseases with uncontrolled inflammasome activation.     

NLRP3炎症小体激活的调控机制研究进展

NLRP3炎症小体是固有免疫系统的重要组成部分,在抵抗病原体感染及危险信号刺激过程中发挥关键作用。同时,NLRP3炎症小体的异常激活也与糖尿病、阿尔茨海默病、红斑狼疮等疾病密切相关。因此,调控和干预炎症小体激活过程对维持机体免疫稳态和发挥免疫功能有重要作用。本文从NLRP3的翻译后修饰、互作分子、细胞器和细胞定位改变以及与NLRP3功能相关的代谢过程和代谢物等多个方面综述了NLRP3炎症小体激活的调控机制研究进展,以期为理解炎症小体激活和炎症反应的发生,以及治疗炎症相关疾病提供新的借鉴。     

Sensing damage by the NLRP3 inflammasome

The NLRP3 inflammasome is activated in response to a variety of signals that are indicative of damage to the host including tissue damage, metabolic stress, and infection. Upon activation, the NLRP3 inflammasome serves as a platform for activation of the cysteine protease caspase-1, which leads to the processing and secretion of the proinflammatory cytokines interleukin-1β (IL-1β) and IL-18. Dysregulated NLRP3 inflammasome activation is associated with both heritable and acquired inflammatory diseases. Here, we review new insights into the mechanism of NLRP3 inflammasome activation and its role in disease pathogenesis.     

Priming of NLRP3 inflammasome activation by Msn kinase MINK1 in macrophages

The nucleotide-binding domain, leucine-rich-repeat containing family, pyrin domain-containing 3 (NLRP3) inflammasome is essential in inflammation and inflammatory disorders. Phosphorylation at various sites on NLRP3 differentially regulates inflammasome activation. The Ser725 phosphorylation site on NLRP3 is depicted in multiple inflammasome activation scenarios, but the importance and regulation of this site has not been clarified. The present study revealed that the phosphorylation of Ser725 was an essential step for the priming of the NLRP3 inflammasome in macrophages. We also showed that Ser725 was directly phosphorylated by misshapen (Msn)/NIK-related kinase 1 (MINK1), depending on the direct interaction between MINK1 and the NLRP3 LRR domain. MINK1 deficiency reduced NLRP3 activation and suppressed inflammatory responses in mouse models of acute sepsis and peritonitis. Reactive oxygen species (ROS) upregulated the kinase activity of MINK1 and subsequently promoted inflammasome priming via NLRP3 Ser725 phosphorylation. Eliminating ROS suppressed NLRP3 activation and reduced sepsis and peritonitis symptoms in a MINK1-dependent manner. Altogether, our study reveals a direct regulation of the NLRP3 inflammasome by Msn family kinase MINK1 and suggests that modulation of MINK1 activity is a potential intervention strategy for inflammasome-related diseases.     

NLRP3炎症小体与溃疡性结肠炎的研究进展

溃疡性结肠炎是肠道慢性炎性反应性疾病,遗传易感性、肠道菌群和黏膜免疫功能失调在溃疡性结肠炎的发生发展过程中起重要作用.目前研究显示NLRP3基因与溃疡性结肠炎的易感性相关,NLRP3炎症小体可维持肠道内环境稳定,对实验性结肠炎具有保护作用,其功能缺陷可能导致对溃疡性结肠炎易感.NLRP3炎症小体有可能成为溃疡性结肠炎治疗的新靶点.     

Posttranslational modifications of NLRP3 and their regulatory roles in inflammasome activation

The NACHT, LRR, and PYD domains-containing protein 3 (NLRP3) inflammasome is a multimolecular complex that plays a fundamental role in inflammation. Optimal activation of NLRP3 inflammasome is crucial for host defense against pathogens and the maintenance of immune homeostasis. Aberrant NLRP3 inflammasome activity has been implicated in various inflammatory diseases. Posttranslational modifications (PTMs) of NLRP3, a key inflammasome sensor, play critical roles in directing inflammasome activation and controlling the severity of inflammation and inflammatory diseases, such as arthritis, peritonitis, inflammatory bowel disease, atherosclerosis, and Parkinson's disease. Various NLRP3 PTMs, including phosphorylation, ubiquitination, and SUMOylation, could direct inflammasome activation and control inflammation severity by affecting the protein stability, ATPase activity, subcellular localization, and oligomerization of NLRP3 as well as the association between NLRP3 and other inflammasome components. Here, we provide an overview of the PTMs of NLRP3 and their roles in controlling inflammation and summarize potential anti-inflammatory drugs targeting NLRP3 PTMs.     

Inhibition of the NLRP3 inflammasome by HSP90 inhibitors

Excessive and dysregulated inflammation is known to contribute to disease progression. HSP90 is an intracellular chaperone known to regulate inflammatory processes including the NLRP3 inflammasome and secretion of the pro‐inflammatory cytokine interleukin(IL)‐1β. Here, primarily using an in vitro inflammasome ASC speck assay, and an in vivo model of murine peritonitis, we tested the utility of HSP90 inhibitors as anti‐inflammatory molecules. We report that the HSP90 inhibitor EC144 effectively inhibited inflammatory processes including priming and activation of NLRP3 in vitro and in vivo. A specific inhibitor of the β HSP90 isoform was ineffective suggesting the importance of the α isoform in inflammatory signalling. EC144 inhibited IL‐1β and IL‐6 in vivo when administered orally, and was brain‐penetrant. These data suggest that HSP90 inhibitors may be useful for targeting inflammation in diverse diseases that are worsened by the presence of inflammation.     

Cytotoxins of the human pathogen Aeromonas hydrophila trigger,via the NLRP3 inflammasome,caspase‐1 activation in macrophages

Aeromonas hydrophila is a Gram‐negative pathogen that causes serious infectious disease in humans. A. hydrophila induces apoptosis in infected macrophages, but the host proinflammatory responses triggered by macrophage death are largely unknown. Here, we demonstrate that the infection of mouse macrophages with A. hydrophila triggers the activation of caspase‐1 and release of IL‐1β. Caspase‐1 activation was abrogated in macrophages deficient in Nod‐like receptor family, pyrin domain containing 3 (NLRP3) and apoptosis‐associated speck‐like protein containing a caspase recruitment domain (ASC), but not NLR family, CARD domain containing 4 (NLRC4). The activation of the NLRP3 inflammasome was mediated by three cytotoxins (aerolysin, hemolysin and multifunctional repeat‐in‐toxin) produced by A. hydrophila. Our results indicated that the NLRP3 inflammasome senses A. hydrophila infection through the action of bacterial cytotoxins.     

Listeria monocytogenes is sensed by the NLRP3 and AIM2 inflammasome

The inflammasome pathway functions to regulate caspase‐1 activation in response to a broad range of stimuli. Caspase‐1 activation is required for the maturation of the pivotal pro‐inflammatory cytokines of the pro‐IL‐1β family. In addition, caspase‐1 activation leads to a certain type of cell death known as pyroptosis. Activation of the inflammasome has been shown to play a critical role in the recognition and containment of various microbial pathogens, including the intracellularly replicating Listeria monocytogenes; however, the inflammasome pathways activated during L. monocytogenes infection are only poorly defined. Here, we demonstrate that L. monocytogenes activates both the NLRP3 and the AIM2 inflammasome, with a predominant involvement of the AIM2 inflammasome. In addition, L. monocytogenes‐triggered cell death was diminished in the absence of both AIM2 and NLRP3, and is concomitant with increased intracellular replication of L. monocytogenes. Altogether, these data establish a role for DNA sensing through the AIM2 inflammasome in the detection of intracellularly replicating bacteria.