Inflammasomes and adaptive immune responses

A fundamental concept in immunology is that the innate immune system initiates or instructs downstream adaptive immune responses. Inflammasomes are central players in innate immunity to pathogens, but how inflammasomes shape adaptive immunity is complex and relatively poorly understood. Here we highlight recent work on the interplay between inflammasomes and adaptive immunity. We address how inflammasome-dependent release of cytokines and antigen activates, shapes or even inhibits adaptive immune responses. We consider how distinct tissue or cellular contexts may alter the effects of inflammasome activation on adaptive immunity and how this contributes to beneficial or detrimental outcomes in infectious diseases, cancer and autoimmunity. We aspire to provide a framework for thinking about inflammasomes and their connection to the adaptive immune response. Deets and Vance discuss the influence of inflammasome activation on adaptive immunity.

Automated summary

Recent research highlights the complex relationship between inflammasomes and adaptive immunity, focusing on how inflammasome activation influences the release of cytokines and antigens, shaping or inhibiting adaptive immune responses. Different tissue or cellular contexts may alter the effects of inflammasome activation on adaptive immunity, contributing to beneficial or detrimental outcomes in infectious diseases, cancer, and autoimmunity. The discussion by Deets and Vance explores the impact of inflammasome activation on adaptive immunity.