scholarly journals Role of NLRP3 Inflammasomes in Neuroinflammation Diseases

2020 ◽  
pp. 1-5
Author(s):  
Sen Lin ◽  
Xifan Mei

<b><i>Background:</i></b> Inflammasomes are large intracellular multi-protein signaling complexes that are formed in the cytosolic compartment as an inflammatory immune response to endogenous danger signals. The formation of the inflammasome enables activation of an inflammatory protease caspase-1 and pyroptosis initiation with the subsequent cleaving of the pro-inflammatory cytokines interleukin (IL)-1β and proIL-18 to produce active forms. The inflammasome complex consists of a nod-like receptor, the adapter apoptosis-associated speck-like protein, and caspase-1. Dysregulation of NLRP3 inflammasome activation is involved in neuroinflammation disease pathogenesis, although its role in SCI development and progression remains controversial due to the inconsistent findings described. <b><i>Summary:</i></b> In this review, we summarize the current knowledge on the contribution of the NLRP3 inflammasome on potential neuroinflammation diseases therapy.

2012 ◽  
Vol 111 (suppl_1) ◽  
Author(s):  
Yi Liu ◽  
Lijian Zhang ◽  
Yan Qu ◽  
Chao Gao ◽  
Jingyi Liu ◽  
...  

As an inhibitor of the antioxidant thioredoxin, thioredoxin-interacting protein (Txnip) is linked to insulin resistance. NLRP3 inflammasome, a major regulator of innate immunity, has been reported to be activated by Txnip, thus contributing to the pathogenesis of type 2 diabetes mellitus. However, the role of Txnip and its NLRP3 inflammasome activation in the myocardial ischemia/reperfusion (MI/R) injury has not been previously investigated. C57BL/6J mice were subjected to 30 min of ischemia and 3 or 24 hrs of reperfusion. The ischemic heart exhibited increased Txnip and NLRP3 expressions, increased interaction between Txnip and NLRP3 (by immunoprecipitation, 1.8-fold increase over sham), and increased IL-1β, IL-18 and caspase-1 expressions (%increase: 80%, 77% and 110%, respectively) (n=8, all P <0.05). Compared with vehicle group, those mice either receiving intramyocardial small-interfering RNA (siRNA) injection to specifically knockdown the myocardial NLRP3 or intraperitoneal injection of the inflammasome inhibitor (BAY 11-7082) exhibited significantly improved cardiac function (by 28% and 25%), decreased the infarct size (by 40% and 38%), and decreased the cardiomyocytes apoptosis (all P <0.05). NLRP3 knockdown or inflammasome inhibitor also decreased the inflammatory cells infiltration (macrophages and neutrophils) and cytokines (TNF-α, INF-γ and IL-6) production (all P <0.05). To elucidate the role of Txnip in the NLRP3 activation in MI/R, intramyocardial injection of Txnip siRNA was performed to specifically knockdown the myocardial Txnip expression. Compared with vehicle, the Txnip knockdown significantly decreased Txnip/NLRP3 interaction and NLRP3activation as evidenced by lower expressions of IL-1β and caspase-1, decreased inflammatory cells infiltration and cytokines expressions, and consequently decreased the myocardial infarct size and increased the heart function (all P <0.05). Collectively, we demonstrated for the first time that Txnip mediatedNLRP3 inflammasome activation is a novel mechanism of MI/R injury. Interventions targeted to blocking the activation of NLRP3 by inhibiting Txnip may have therapeutic potential for preventing MI/R injury.


2017 ◽  
Vol 312 (4) ◽  
pp. F556-F564 ◽  
Author(s):  
Mi Bai ◽  
Ying Chen ◽  
Min Zhao ◽  
Yue Zhang ◽  
John Ci-Jiang He ◽  
...  

Aldosterone (Aldo) has been shown as an important contributor of podocyte injury. However, the underlying molecular mechanisms are still elusive. Recently, the pathogenic role of NOD-like receptor family, pyrin domain containing 3 (NLRP3) inflammasome in mediating renal tubular damage was identified while its role in podocyte injury still needs evidence. Thus the present study was undertaken to investigate the role of NLRP3 inflammasome in Aldo-induced podocyte damage. In vitro, exposure of podocytes to Aldo enhanced NLRP3, caspase-1, and IL-18 expressions in dose- and time-dependent manners, indicating an activation of NLRP3 inflammasome, which was significantly blocked by the mineralocorticoid receptor antagonist eplerenone or the antioxidant N-acetylcysteine. Silencing NLRP3 by a siRNA approach strikingly attenuated Aldo-induced podocyte apoptosis and nephrin protein downregulation in line with the blockade of caspase-1 and IL-18. In vivo, since day 5 of Aldo infusion, NLRP3 inflammasome activation and podocyte injury evidenced by nephrin reduction occurred concurrently. More importantly, immunofluorescence analysis showed a significant induction of NLRP3 in podocytes of glomeruli following Aldo infusion. In the mice with NLRP3 gene deletion, Aldo-induced downregulation of nephrin and podocin, podocyte foot processes, and albuminuria was remarkably improved, indicating an amelioration of podocyte injury. Finally, we observed a striking induction of NLRP3 in glomeruli and renal tubules in line with an enhanced urinary IL-18 output in nephrotic syndrome patients with minimal change disease or focal segmental glomerular sclerosis. Together, these results demonstrated an important role of NLRP3 inflammasome in mediating the podocyte injury induced by Aldo.


2020 ◽  
Author(s):  
Jianjun Jiang ◽  
Jin Yang ◽  
Yining Shi ◽  
Jiyu Cao ◽  
Youjin Lu ◽  
...  

Abstract Background: The NOD-Like Receptor Protein 3 (NLRP3) inflammasome is a crucial component of an array of inflammatory conditions. It functions by boosting the secretion of pro-inflammatory cytokines: interleukin-1β (IL-1β) and interleukin-18 (IL-18). Previous studies have established the vital role of the acid sphingomyelinase (ASM)/ceramide (Cer) pathway in the functional outcome of cells, with a particular emphasis on the inflammatory processes. This study aimed to explore the effects and associated underlying mechanism of Cer-induced NLRP3 inflammasome activation.Methods: Lipopolysaccharide (LPS)/adenosine triphosphate (ATP)-induced NLRP3 inflammasome activation in J774A.1 cells was used as an in vitro inflammatory model. Western blotting and Real-time PCR (RT-PCR) were used to detect the protein and mRNA levels, respectively. IL-1β and IL-18 levels were evaluated using ELISA kits. ASM assay kit and immunofluorescence were used to detect ASM activity and Cer content.Results: Imipramine, a well-known inhibitor of ASM, significantly inhibited ASM activity and inhibited Cer accumulation, which indicated ASM activation. Besides, it also suppressed the LPS/ATP-induced expression of proteins and mRNA: thioredoxin interacting protein (TXNIP), NLRP3, caspase-1, IL-1β and IL-18. Interestingly verapamil, a TXNIP inhibitor, suppressed LPS/ATP-induced TXNIP/NLRP3 inflammasome activation; however, it did not affect LPS/ATP-induced ASM activation and ceramide production. Further analysis showed that the exogenous C2-Cer treated J774A.1 cells induced the overexpression of TXNIP, NLRP3, caspase-1, IL-1β and IL-18. Besides, TXNIP siRNA or verapamil inhibited C2-Cer-induced TXNIP overexpression and NLRP3 inflammasome activation.Conclusion: This study demonstrated the involvement of the ASM/Cer/TXNIP signaling pathway in NLRP3 inflammasome activation.


Cells ◽  
2021 ◽  
Vol 10 (1) ◽  
pp. 121
Author(s):  
José Marcos Sanches ◽  
Rebeca D. Correia-Silva ◽  
Gustavo H. B. Duarte ◽  
Anna Maria A. P. Fernandes ◽  
Salvador Sánchez-Vinces ◽  
...  

This study evaluated the role of endogenous and exogenous annexin A1 (AnxA1) in the activation of the NLRP3 inflammasome in isolated peritoneal neutrophils. C57BL/6 wild-type (WT) and AnxA1 knockout mice (AnxA1-/-) received 0.3% carrageenan intraperitoneally and, after 3 h, the peritoneal exudate was collected. WT and AnxA1-/- neutrophils were then stimulated with lipopolysaccharide, followed by the NLRP3 agonists nigericin or ATP. To determine the exogenous effect of AnxA1, the neutrophils were pretreated with the AnxA1-derived peptide Ac2-26 followed by the NLRP3 agonists. Ac2-26 administration reduced NLRP3-derived IL-1β production by WT neutrophils after nigericin and ATP stimulation. However, IL-1β release was impaired in AnxA1-/- neutrophils stimulated by both agonists, and there was no further impairment in IL-1β release with Ac2-26 treatment before stimulation. Despite this, ATP- and nigericin-stimulated AnxA1-/- neutrophils had increased levels of cleaved caspase-1. The lipidomics of supernatants from nigericin-stimulated WT and AnxA1-/- neutrophils showed potential lipid biomarkers of cell stress and activation, including specific sphingolipids and glycerophospholipids. AnxA1 peptidomimetic treatment also increased the concentration of phosphatidylserines and oxidized phosphocholines, which are lipid biomarkers related to the inflammatory resolution pathway. Together, our results indicate that exogenous AnxA1 negatively regulates NLRP3-derived IL-1β production by neutrophils, while endogenous AnxA1 is required for the activation of the NLRP3 machinery.


2019 ◽  
Vol 40 (Supplement_1) ◽  
Author(s):  
A Saljic ◽  
M Hohl ◽  
N Li ◽  
T Agbaedeng ◽  
D Twomey ◽  
...  

Abstract Introduction Obesity and enhanced inflammatory response are two independent risk factors involved in the pathogenesis of atrial fibrillation (AF). Components of the NLRP3 inflammasome have been found to be expressed in cardiomyocytes and cardiac fibroblasts and that increased inflammasome activation contributes to the pathogenesis of AF. The NLRP3 inflammasome is a multi-protein signaling complex that is activated in two steps: 1st) a priming event that includes a NFκB-activating stimuli which increases the expression of pro-inflammatory cytokines, and 2nd) a triggering event that includes the assembly of the inflammasome complex and activation of caspase-1 which promotes the production of pro-inflammatory cytokines like interleukin 1 beta (IL-1b). Purpose We used a sheep model of sustained obesity to characterize the association between atrial myocardial fat infiltration, atrial activation of the NLRP3 inflammasome and the development of an atrial arrhythmogenic substrate for AF. Methods Eight sheep were fed ad libitum calorie-dense diet over 40 weeks to gain weight and were maintained in this state of sustained obesity for another 40 weeks. Eight lean, weight-controlled and aged-matched sheep served as control. Atrial fat infiltration was determined by oil-red staining and NLRP3 inflammasome activation was assessed by immunoblot in atrial whole-tissue lysate. Atrial effective refractory periods (aERPs) were evaluated (twice diastolic threshold, cycle length (CL) of 400 ms, S1S2 -protocol). Results Sustained obesity was associated with increased atrial fat infiltration (lean: 0.8±0.3% vs. obese: 2.3±1.2%, p=0.1) and shorter aERP (lean: 169±22ms vs. obese: 138±26ms, p=0.03). Protein levels of caspase-1 and mature IL-1β were significantly enhanced (p=0.04 and p=0.01, respectively). Further shortening of aERP correlated with increasing atrial protein levels of caspase-1 (r=0.59, p=0.02). In contrast, levels of TNFα and NFκB were not significantly changed in atria of sheep with sustained obesity. Conclusions Sustained obesity is associated with increased expression of NLRP3 inflammasome-related proteins and the development of an arrhythmogenic substrate for AF. Our study suggest that the increased activity is due to increased triggering, rather than increased gene transcription. Whether NLRP3 inflammasome activation represents a modifiable target to prevent AF in obesity warrants further study.


Cells ◽  
2020 ◽  
Vol 9 (3) ◽  
pp. 736 ◽  
Author(s):  
Luca Maroni ◽  
Elisabetta Ninfole ◽  
Claudio Pinto ◽  
Antonio Benedetti ◽  
Marco Marzioni

The Nlrp3 inflammasome is a multiprotein complex activated by a number of bacterial products or danger signals and is involved in the regulation of inflammatory processes through caspase-1 activation. The Nlrp3 is expressed in immune cells but also in hepatocytes and cholangiocytes, where it appears to be involved in regulation of biliary damage, epithelial barrier integrity and development of fibrosis. Activation of the pathways of innate immunity is crucial in the pathophysiology of hepatobiliary diseases, given the strong link between the gut and the liver. The liver secretes bile acids, which influence the bacterial composition of the gut microbiota and, in turn, are heavily modified by microbial metabolism. Alterations of this balance, as for the development of dysbiosis, may deeply influence the composition of the bacterial products that reach the liver and are able to activate a number of intracellular pathways. This alteration may be particularly important in the pathogenesis of cholangiopathies and, in particular, of primary sclerosing cholangitis, given its strong association with inflammatory bowel disease. In the present review, we summarize current knowledge on the gut–liver axis in cholangiopathies and discuss the role of Nlrp3 inflammasome activation in cholestatic conditions.


Molecules ◽  
2018 ◽  
Vol 23 (3) ◽  
pp. 522 ◽  
Author(s):  
Yadong Zhai ◽  
Xiangbao Meng ◽  
Tianyuan Ye ◽  
Weijie Xie ◽  
Guibo Sun ◽  
...  

Diabetes is associated with a high risk of developing cognitive dysfunction and neuropsychiatric disabilities, and these disease symptomsare termed diabetic encephalopathy (DEP). Inflammation is involved in the development of DEP. The cleavage and maturation of the proinflammatory cytokine interleukin (IL)-1β is regulated by the NLRP3 inflammasome. Obese and type 2 diabetic db/db mice show anxiety- and depression-like behaviors and cognitive disorders associated with hippocampal inflammation. The purpose of this study was to explore the role of NLRP3 inflammasome in DEP. Results showed that expression levels of inflammasome components including NLRP3, apoptosis-associated speck-like protein (ASC), and caspase-1, as well as IL-1β in the hippocampus of diabetic db/db mice were higher than those of non-diabetic db/m mice. Treatment of db/db mice with NLRP3 inflammasome inhibitor MCC950 ameliorated anxiety- and depression-like behaviors as well as cognitive dysfunction, and reversed increased NLRP3, ASC, and IL-1βexpression levels and caspase-1 activity in hippocampus. Moreover, MCC950 treatment significantly improved insulin sensitivity in db/db mice. These results demonstrate that inhibition of NLRP3 inflammasome activation may prove to be a potential therapeutic approach for DEP treatment.


2020 ◽  
Author(s):  
Jianjun Jiang ◽  
Jin Yang ◽  
Yining Shi ◽  
Jiyu Cao ◽  
Youjin Lu ◽  
...  

Abstract Background: The NLRP3 inflammasome serves as a crucial component in an array of inflammatory conditions by boosting the secretion of pro-inflammatory cytokines: IL-1β and IL-18. Hence, a thorough investigation of the underlying mechanism of NLRP3 activation could ascertain the requisite directionality to the ongoing studies, along with the identification of the novel drug targets for the management of inflammatory diseases. Previous studies have established the vital role of the Acid sphingomyelinase (ASM)/Ceramide (Cer) pathway in the functional outcome of cells, with a particular emphasis on the inflammatory processes. ASM mediates the ceramide production by sphingomyelin hydrolysis. Furthermore, the participation of the ASM/Cer in NLRP3 activation remains ambiguous. Methods: We employed lipopoysaccharide (LPS)/Adenosine Triphosphate (ATP)-induced activation of NLRP3 inflammasome in J774A.1 cells as an in vitro inflammatory model. Results: We observed that imipramine, a well-known inhibitor of ASM, significantly inhibited ASM activity & increased ceramide accumulation, which indicates ASM activation. Besides, it also suppressed the LPS/ATP-induced expression of proteins and mRNA: Thioredoxin interacting protein (TXNIP), NLRP3, Caspase-1, IL-1β and IL-18. Interestingly verapamil, a TXNIP inhibitor, suppressed LPS/ATP-induced TXNIP/NLRP3 inflammasome activation; however, it did not affect LPS/ATP-induced ASM activity and ceramide production. Further examination showed that the exogenous C2-ceramide-treated J774A.1 cells induce the overexpression of TXNIP, NLRP3, Caspase-1, IL-1β, and IL-18. Furthermore, verapamil inhibited C2-Ceramide mediated TXNIP overexpression and NLRP3 inflammasome activation. These findings infer that TXNIP overexpression leads to Cer mediated NLRP3 inflammasome activation. Conclusion: Our study validated the crucial role of the ASM/Cer/TXNIP signaling pathway in NLRP3 inflammasome activation.


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