NALP Inflammasomes: A central role in innate immunity

Inflammasomes are cytoplasmic multiprotein complexes that mediate the maturation of the proinflammatory cytokines interleukin-1 beta (IL-1 beta), IL-18, and possibly IL-33 by controlling the activation of the inflammatory caspases-1 and -5. Assembly of inflammasomes depends on NOD-like receptor (NLR) family members such as NALPs, NAIP, and IPAF. Various microbial and endogenous stimuli activate different types of inflammasomes. This article focuses on the Pyrin domain containing NLRs, known as NALP proteins. Recent findings provide exciting insights into how these proteins might be activated and also provide evidence of the critical role of the NALP inflammasomes in innate immunity and inflammatory diseases.