title: Inflammasome Complexes: Emerging Mechanisms and Effector Functions.
abstract: Canonical activation of the inflammasome is critical to promote caspase-1-dependent maturation of the proinflammatory cytokines IL-1β and IL-18, as well as to induce pyroptotic cell death in response to pathogens and endogenous danger signals. Recent discoveries, however, are beginning to unveil new components of the inflammasome machinery as well as the full spectrum of inflammasome functions, extending their influence beyond canonical functions to regulation of eicosanoid storm, autophagy, and metabolism. In addition, the receptor components of the inflammasome can also regulate diverse biological processes, such as cellular proliferation, gene transcription, and tumorigenesis, all of which are independent of their inflammasome complex-forming capabilities. Here, we review these recent advances that are shaping our understanding of the complex biology of the inflammasome and its constituents.
authors.affiliation: Department of Immunology, University of Connecticut Health Center, 263 Farmington Avenue, Farmington, CT 06030-3720, USA.
authors.forename: Vijay A K
authors.initials: VA
authors.lastname: Rathinam
authors.affiliation: Program in Innate Immunity, Division of Infectious Diseases and Immunology, Department of Medicine, University of Massachusetts Medical School, Worcester, MA 01605, USA. Electronic address: kate.fitzgerald@umassmed.edu.
authors.forename: Katherine A
authors.initials: KA
authors.lastname: Fitzgerald
mesh_terms: D000818:Animals; D016923:Cell Death; D006801:Humans; D058847:Inflammasomes / Q000276:immunology / Q000502:physiology*; D007249:Inflammation / Q000276:immunology / Q000378:metabolism; D015398:Signal Transduction
chemical_list: D058847:Inflammasomes