Cellular signaling, molecular activation, and regulation of the NLRP3 inflammasome

Inflammation is a host response against infection or injury. Although typically protective, inflammation can become dysregulated and contribute to many diseases. The NLRP3 inflammasome is a multiprotein complex that detects a broad range of infectious or damage signals and is a key driver of disease-associated inflammation. NLRP3 activity is also regulated at the transcriptional and posttranslational levels, culminating in caspase-1 activation, pyroptotic cell death, and the release of proinflammatory cytokines IL-1β and IL-18. This chapter describes the current understanding of NLRP3 regulation and activation, although further elucidation of these mechanisms is required.