The mechanism of NLRP3 inflammasome activation and its pharmacological inhibitors

NLRP3 (NOD-, LRR-, and pyrin domain-containing protein 3) is a cytosolic pattern recognition receptor (PRR) that recognizes multiple pathogen-associated molecular patterns (PAMPs) and damage-associated molecular patterns (DAMPs). Once activated, NLRP3 initiates the inflammasome assembly together with the adaptor ASC and the effector caspase-1, leading to caspase-1 activation and subsequent cleavage of IL-1 beta and IL-18. Aberrant NLRP3 inflammasome activation is linked with the pathogenesis of multiple inflammatory diseases, such as cryopyrin-associated periodic syndromes, type 2 diabetes, non-alcoholic steatohepatitis, gout, and neurodegenerative diseases. Thus, NLRP3 is an important therapeutic target, and researchers are putting a lot of effort into developing its inhibitors. The review summarizes the latest advances in the mechanism of NLRP3 inflammasome activation and its pharmacological inhibitors.

Automated summary

NLRP3 is a cytosolic pattern recognition receptor that recognizes various molecular patterns associated with pathogens and damage. Its activation leads to the assembly of the inflammasome and cleavage of IL-1 beta and IL-18. Aberrant NLRP3 activation is linked with multiple inflammatory diseases, and efforts are being made to develop inhibitors. This review summarizes the latest advances in the mechanism of NLRP3 inflammasome activation and the development of pharmacological inhibitors.