title: Revisiting caspase-11 function in host defense.
abstract: Proinflammatory caspases play important roles in innate immunity. Much attention has focused on caspase-1, which acts to eliminate pathogens by obliterating their replicative niches as well as alerting the host to their presence. Now, emerging data have shed light on the lesser-studied proinflammatory caspase-11 in the combat between host and pathogens. Using the new tools available, researchers are further elucidating the mechanisms by which caspase-11 contributes to host defense. Here, we review the emerging understanding of caspase-11 functions and the mechanisms of activation and discuss the implications for human disease.
authors.affiliation: Department of Microbiology and Immunology, Stanford School of Medicine, Stanford University, 299 Campus Drive, Stanford, CA 94305, USA.
authors.forename: Tessie M
authors.initials: TM
authors.lastname: Ng
authors.forename: Denise M
authors.initials: DM
authors.lastname: Monack
mesh_terms: D000818:Animals; D020169:Caspases / Q000737:chemistry / Q000235:genetics / Q000276:immunology*; D053471:Caspases, Initiator / Q000737:chemistry / Q000235:genetics / Q000276:immunology; D054884:Host-Pathogen Interactions; D006801:Humans; D007113:Immunity, Innate; D007249:Inflammation / Q000276:immunology
chemical_list: C093516:CASP4 protein, human; C099217:CASP5 protein, human; C101136:Casp4 protein, mouse; D020169:Caspases; D053471:Caspases, Initiator