title: Central roles of NLRs and inflammasomes in viral infection.
abstract: The immune response to viral infections is determined by a complex interplay between the pathogen and the host. Innate immune cells express a set of cytosolic sensors to detect viral infection. Recognition by these sensors induces the production of type I interferons and the assembly of inflammasome complexes that activate caspase-1, leading to production of interleukin-1β (IL-1β) and IL-18. Here, I discuss recent progress in our understanding of the central roles of NOD-like receptors (NLRs) and inflammasomes in the immune response during viral infections. This information will improve our understanding of host defence mechanisms against viruses and provide new avenues for interfering in the pathogenesis of infectious diseases.
authors.affiliation: Department of Immunology, St Jude Children's Research Hospital, Memphis, Tennessee 38105, USA. Thirumala-Devi.Kanneganti@StJude.org
authors.forename: Thirumala-Devi
authors.initials: TD
authors.lastname: Kanneganti
mesh_terms: D000818:Animals; D020169:Caspases / Q000276:immunology; D006801:Humans; D020382:Interleukin-18 / Q000096:biosynthesis / Q000276:immunology; D053583:Interleukin-1beta / Q000096:biosynthesis / Q000276:immunology; D046912:Multiprotein Complexes / Q000276:immunology*; D053472:Nod Signaling Adaptor Proteins / Q000276:immunology*; D015398:Signal Transduction / Q000276:immunology*; D014777:Virus Diseases / Q000276:immunology*
chemical_list: D020382:Interleukin-18; D053583:Interleukin-1beta; D046912:Multiprotein Complexes; D053472:Nod Signaling Adaptor Proteins; D020169:Caspases