title: Targeting the inflammasome in rheumatic diseases.
abstract: Activation of the inflammasome, a protein complex responsible for many cellular functions, including the activation of the proinflammatory cytokines interleukin (IL)-1β and IL-18, has been identified as a key participant in many rheumatic diseases including autoimmune, inflammatory, and autoinflammatory syndromes. This review will discuss the recent advances in understanding the role of this complex in various rheumatic diseases. Furthermore, it will focus on available therapies, which directly and indirectly target the inflammasome and its downstream cytokines to quiet inflammation and possibly dampen autoimmune processes.
authors.affiliation: Division of Rheumatology, Department of Internal Medicine, University of Michigan, Ann Arbor, Mich.
authors.forename: Sara S
authors.initials: SS
authors.lastname: McCoy
authors.affiliation: Division of Rheumatology, Department of Internal Medicine, University of Michigan, Ann Arbor, Mich; Division of Rheumatology, Department of Pediatrics, University of Michigan, Ann Arbor, Mich.
authors.forename: Jasmine
authors.initials: J
authors.lastname: Stannard
authors.affiliation: Division of Rheumatology, Department of Internal Medicine, University of Michigan, Ann Arbor, Mich. Electronic address: mkahlenb@med.umich.edu.
authors.forename: J Michelle
authors.initials: JM
authors.lastname: Kahlenberg
mesh_terms: D000818:Animals; D016207:Cytokines / Q000378:metabolism; D016503:Drug Delivery Systems; D006801:Humans; D058847:Inflammasomes / Q000187:drug effects*; D007249:Inflammation / Q000378:metabolism; D012216:Rheumatic Diseases / Q000188:drug therapy* / Q000276:immunology; D015398:Signal Transduction
chemical_list: D016207:Cytokines; D058847:Inflammasomes