title: Inflammasomes in carcinogenesis and anticancer immune responses.
abstract: In the complex interplay between malignant cells and their microenvironment, caspase-1 activation complexes (inflammasomes) have contrasting roles. Inflammasomes may operate at the cell-autonomous level to eliminate malignant precursors through programmed cell death or, conversely, may stimulate the production of trophic factors for cancer cells and their stroma. In inflammatory cells, caspase-1 activation can fuel a cycle that leads to sterile inflammation and carcinogenesis, whereas in antigen-presenting cells, inflammasomes can stimulate anticancer immune responses. The inhibition of inflammasomes or neutralization of their products, mainly interleukin 1β (IL-1β) and IL-18, has profound effects on carcinogenesis and tumor progression. Thus, inflammasomes are promising therapeutic targets in cancer-related clinical conditions. Here we discuss present and future indications for the clinical use of inflammasome inhibitors.
authors.affiliation: Institut Gustave Roussy, Villejuif, France.
authors.forename: Laurence
authors.initials: L
authors.lastname: Zitvogel
authors.forename: Oliver
authors.initials: O
authors.lastname: Kepp
authors.forename: Lorenzo
authors.initials: L
authors.lastname: Galluzzi
authors.forename: Guido
authors.initials: G
authors.lastname: Kroemer
mesh_terms: D000818:Animals; D006801:Humans; D007157:Immunologic Surveillance / Q000276:immunology; D058847:Inflammasomes / Q000276:immunology*; D009369:Neoplasms / Q000276:immunology*
chemical_list: D058847:Inflammasomes