Detection of immune danger signals by NALP3.
The innate immune system in animals has been forged to detect microbes, coordinate symbiotic responses, and mount immune defenses against pathogens. Recently, innate immunity was shown to detect signals released by damaged cells or tissues such as uric acid or ATP. These danger signals were proposed to be important in promoting and regulating inflammation upon trauma or pathogen insults. The physiological relevance of these signals in the immune response and their mechanisms of action are still unclear. Recent findings suggest that some danger signals activate the NALP3 inflammasome, an innate immune complex that controls inflammatory caspases and IL-1 activation.
Martinon
Fabio
F
Harvard School of Public Health, 651 Huntington Avenue, Boston, MA 02115, USA. fmartino@hsph.harvard.edu
D048868:Adaptor Proteins, Signal Transducing; D000255:Adenosine Triphosphate / Q000032:analysis; D000818:Animals; D015415:Biomarkers / Q000032:analysis; D006801:Humans; D007113:Immunity, Innate; D007249:Inflammation / Q000175:diagnosis* / Q000276:immunology; D007509:Irritants; D008322:Mammals; D008954:Models, Biological; D012097:Repressor Proteins / Q000032:analysis*; D012871:Skin Diseases / Q000175:diagnosis / Q000276:immunology
D048868:Adaptor Proteins, Signal Transducing; D015415:Biomarkers; D007509:Irritants; C466775:NLRP4 protein, human; D012097:Repressor Proteins; D000255:Adenosine Triphosphate