Nod-like receptors in intestinal homeostasis, inflammation, and cancer

NLRs have been shown in a number of models to protect against microbial infection through their ability to participate in pattern recognition and their triggering of inflammatory pathways to control infection. Over the past few years, however, the role of NLRs, especially Nod1, Nod2, and NLRP3, in intestinal homeostasis has been highlighted. Indeed, these specific NLRs have been implicated in IBD, in particular, the association of Nod2 with CD, yet a clear understanding of how dysfunctional NLR activation leads to aberrant inflammation is still the focus of much investigation. In this review, we will examine how NLRs participate in the maintenance of gut homeostasis and how upset of this regulation can tip the balance toward chronic inflammation and intestinal cancer. J. Leukoc. Biol. 90: 471-482; 2011.