The inflammasome in host defense.
Nod-like receptors have emerged as an important family of sensors in host defense. These receptors are expressed in macrophages, dendritic cells and monocytes and play an important role in microbial immunity. Some Nod-like receptors form the inflammasome, a protein complex that activates caspase-1 in response to several stimuli. Caspase-1 activation leads to processing and secretion of pro-inflammatory cytokines such as interleukin (IL)-1β and IL-18. Here, we discuss recent advances in the inflammasome field with an emphasis on host defense. We also compare differential requirements for inflammasome activation in dendritic cells, macrophages and monocytes.
Center for Disease Vector Research and Department of Entomology, University of California-Riverside, Riverside, CA 92521, USA. gangc@ucr.edu
Gang
G
Chen
Joao H F
JH
Pedra
D000818:Animals; D016207:Cytokines / Q000276:immunology*; D006801:Humans; D007113:Immunity, Innate / Q000276:immunology*; D058847:Inflammasomes / Q000276:immunology*; D018836:Inflammation Mediators / Q000276:immunology*; D018448:Models, Immunological; D053472:Nod Signaling Adaptor Proteins / Q000276:immunology*
D016207:Cytokines; D058847:Inflammasomes; D018836:Inflammation Mediators; D053472:Nod Signaling Adaptor Proteins