Inflammasome Research: Bridging Innate and Adaptive Immunity

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Inflammasomes are multi-protein complexes that play a crucial role in both physiological and pathological inflammation. Their activation is marked by the maturation of cytokines IL-1β and IL-18, and the processing of gasdermin D, which facilitates cytokine release and pyroptosis in cells of the innate immune system. These high molecular weight complexes activate inflammatory caspases and cytokines of the IL-1 family, including IL-1β, IL-18, and sometimes IL-1α, depending on the stimulus.

Several types of inflammasomes have been identified, each containing different sensor proteins such as NLRP1, NLRP3, IPAF, NLRP6, NLRP10, NLRP12, Pyrin, RIG-I, and AIM-2. Most of these require the adapter protein Asc to recruit caspase-1 to the complex. Upon binding, caspase-1 is cleaved and activated, leading to the maturation and secretion of pro-inflammatory IL-1β.

Inflammasomes can be activated by various signals, including live bacteria, microbial toxins, xeno-compounds, particulates, cytoplasmic pathogen-associated molecular patterns (PAMPs), and endogenous danger signals (DAMPs).

Impact on Health and Disease

Inflammasome activity is linked to numerous inflammatory responses, which can be beneficial or harmful. Beneficial responses help maintain tissue homeostasis by detecting and repairing tissue damage after trauma or pathogen invasion. However, harmful responses include particle-induced sterile inflammation, caused by host-derived particles like monosodium urate crystals involved in gout, and environmental particles such as asbestos and silica, which induce lung inflammation.

Evidence also suggests inflammasome activity is involved in various diseases, including cancer, metabolic disorders like type 2 diabetes and atherosclerosis, neurodegenerative diseases such as Alzheimer’s and Parkinson’s, autoimmune diseases like multiple sclerosis, and inflammatory bowel diseases. Notably, beneficial effects include enhancing vaccine efficacy.

Introducing a New Anti-NLRP6 Antibody

AdipoGen Life Sciences is proud to introduce a new, unique KO-validated polyclonal antibody (AG-25B-0045-C050) to detect endogenous mouse NLRP6. In the gut, NLRP6 plays a pivotal role in controlling microbiota by modulating host defense during microbial infections, protecting against cancer, and regulating neuroinflammation.

For more information, reach out to your account manager or contact us directly to request a quote.