Inflammasome Inhibition as a Pathogenic Stealth Mechanism

The activation of inflammasomes containing NBD-LRR (NLRs) or non-NLRs is critical for effective host defense against microbial pathogens. Recent discoveries have uncovered a plethora of pathogenic strategies to inhibit inflammasome-mediated processing of IL-1 beta and IL-18. We review recent evidence for viral and bacterial manipulation of the inflammasome, ranging from perturbation of caspase-1 activation to targeting of specific inflammasome components.