Mechanism of inflammasomes in cancer and targeted therapies

Inflammasomes, composed of the nucleotide-binding oligomerization domain(NOD)-like receptors (NLRs), are immune-functional protein multimers that are closely linked to the host defense mechanism. When NLRs sense pathogen-associated molecular patterns (PAMPs) and damage-associated molecular patterns (DAMPs), they assemble into inflammasomes. Inflammasomes can activate various inflammatory signaling pathways, including nuclear factor kappa B (NF-kappa B) and mitogen-activated protein kinase (MAPK) signaling pathways, and produce a large number of proinflammatory cytokines, which are closely associated with multiple cancers. They can also accelerate the occurrence and development of cancer by providing suitable tumor microenvironments, promoting tumor cell proliferation, and inhibiting tumor cell apoptosis. Therefore, the exploitation of novel targeted drugs against various inflammasomes and proinflammatory cytokines is a new idea for the treatment of cancer. In recent years, more than 50 natural extracts and synthetic small molecule targeted drugs have been reported to be in the research stage or have been applied to the clinic. Herein, we will overview the mechanisms of inflammasomes in common cancers and discuss the therapeutic prospects of natural extracts and synthetic targeted agents.

Automated summary

Inflammasomes, composed of NOD-like receptors (NLRs), play an important role in the host defense mechanism by sensing PAMPs and DAMPs. They activate inflammatory signaling pathways and produce proinflammatory cytokines, which are associated with cancer. Furthermore, inflammasomes can promote tumor progression by creating tumor-supportive microenvironments, promoting tumor cell proliferation, and inhibiting apoptosis. Therefore, targeting inflammasomes and proinflammatory cytokines with novel drugs is a promising approach for cancer treatment, with several natural extracts and synthetic small molecules currently under investigation.