The inflammasomes and immunometabolism: A small molecule inhibitor of the NLRP3 inflammasome

The mammalian immune system consists of two arms, innate and acquired immunity. When I was nominated in 2003 as editorial board members of B.B.R.C., it was in line with the paradigm shift in trends of immunology in the way of thinking from acquired immunity represented by peptide recognition by T-cell receptor to innate immunity represented by the recognition of pathogen-derived molecular pattern including lipid and carbohydrate. In this short perspective, I will introduce hot-spot of recent researches of inflammation, particularly inflammasome and immunometabolism. Here, particular attention is given to small molecule inhibitors of NLRP3 inflammasome activation. (c) 2022 Elsevier Inc. All rights reserved.

Automated summary

The mammalian immune system is divided into innate and acquired immunity. Recent trends in immunology have shifted from a focus on acquired immunity, represented by peptide recognition by T-cell receptor, to innate immunity, represented by the recognition of pathogen-derived molecular patterns including lipid and carbohydrate. This article focuses on recent hotspots in inflammation research, particularly inflammasome and immunometabolism, with an emphasis on small molecule inhibitors of NLRP3 inflammasome activation.