title: Microcrystals as DAMPs and their role in joint inflammation.
abstract: Microcrystals associated with joint diseases, namely monosodium urate, calcium pyrophosphate and basic calcium phosphate, can be considered as 'danger signals' to the innate immune system and provoke inflammation through inflammasome-dependent as well as inflammasome-independent pathways. Direct crystal membrane interactions can also lead to cell activation. The result is the generation of IL-1β and other pro-inflammatory cytokines. The primacy of IL-1β in the case of gouty inflammation has been demonstrated by the efficacy of IL-1 inhibitors in clinical studies. These findings may be relevant to other diseases where crystal formation is found, such as OA and atherosclerosis.
authors.affiliation: Service de Rhumatologie, Centre Hospitalier Universitaire Vaudois, University of Lausanne, Avenue Pierre Decker, 1011 Lausanne, Switzerland.
authors.forename: Nathalie
authors.initials: N
authors.lastname: Busso
authors.forename: Alexander
authors.initials: A
authors.lastname: So
mesh_terms: D001168:Arthritis / Q000276:immunology / Q000378:metabolism*; D006801:Humans; D007113:Immunity, Innate; D058847:Inflammasomes / Q000276:immunology / Q000378:metabolism*; D018836:Inflammation Mediators / Q000276:immunology / Q000378:metabolism*
chemical_list: D058847:Inflammasomes; D018836:Inflammation Mediators