Autoinflammatory Mechanisms in Crystal-Induced Arthritis

Crystal-induced arthritides have been classified as type-1 autoinflammatory diseases for their main features which resemble those of the monogenic autoinflammatory syndromes. They are in fact characterized by spontaneous onset, recurrence of the episodes, self-limitation and resolution, inflammasome activation with huge production of IL-1 beta and a prevalent involvement of the innate immune system. The term auto refers also to the induction of IL-1 beta gene expression, processing and secretion by IL-1 beta itself. The concept of autoinflammation in crystal-induced arthritis has been finally reinforced by the efficacy of IL-1 blockade in treating acute and chronic state of this disease. The aim of this article is to review the autoinflammatory mechanisms in crystal-induced arthritis, considering both clinical and molecular aspects.