The role of NLRP3 inflammasome in hepatocellular carcinoma

Inflammasomes play an important role in innate immunity. As a signal platform, they deal with the excessive pathogenic products and cellular products related to stress and injury. So far, the best studied and most characteristic inflammasome is the NLR-family pyrin domain-containing protein 3(NLRP3) inflammasome, which is composed of NLRP3, apoptosis associated speck like protein (ASC) and procaspase-1. The formation of NLRP3 inflammasome complexes results in the activation of caspase-1, the maturation of interleukin (IL)-1 beta and IL-18, and pyroptosis. Many studies have demonstrated that NLRP3 inflammasome not only participates in tumorigenesis, but also plays a protective role in some cancers. Hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) is a major cause of cancer-related mortality. Currently, due to the lack of effective treatment methods for HCC, the therapeutic effect of HCC has not been ideal. Therefore, it is particularly urgent to explore the pathogenesis of HCC and find its effective treatment methods. The increasing evidences indicate that NLRP3 inflammasome plays a vital role in HCC, however, the related mechanisms are not fully understood. Hence, we focused on the recent progress about the role of NLRP3 inflammasome in HCC, and analyzed the relevant mechanisms in detail to provide reference for the future in-depth researches.

Automated summary

Inflammasomes are important in innate immunity, dealing with pathogens and cellular products related to stress and injury. The NLRP3 inflammasome, consisting of NLRP3, ASC, and procaspase-1, is the best studied and most characteristic inflammasome. Activation of the NLRP3 inflammasome leads to caspase-1 activation, interleukin (IL)-1 beta and IL-18 maturation, and pyroptosis. While the NLRP3 inflammasome is involved in tumorigenesis, it also plays a protective role in some cancers. This article focuses on the role of the NLRP3 inflammasome in hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) and analyzes the underlying mechanisms, aiming to provide insights for future research.