Is the inflammasome relevant for epithelial cell function?

Patricia T. Santana, Jan Martel, Hsin Chih Lai, Jean Luc Perfettini, Jean M. Kanellopoulos, John D. Young, Robson Coutinho-Silva, David M. Ojcius

    Research output: Contribution to journalShort surveypeer-review

    35 Citations (Scopus)

    Abstract

    Inflammasomes are intracellular protein complexes that sense microbial components and damage of infected cells. Following activation by molecules released by pathogens or injured cells, inflammasomes activate caspase-1, allowing secretion of the pro-inflammatory cytokines IL-1β and IL-18 from innate immune cells. Inflammasomes are also expressed in epithelial cells, where their function has attracted less attention. Nonetheless, depending on the tissue, epithelial inflammasomes can mediate inflammation, wound healing, and pain sensitivity. We review here recent findings on inflammasomes found in epithelial tissues, highlighting the importance of these protein complexes in the response of epithelial tissues to microbial infections.

    Original languageEnglish
    Pages (from-to)93-101
    Number of pages9
    JournalMicrobes and Infection
    Volume18
    Issue number2
    DOIs
    Publication statusPublished - 1 Feb 2016

    Keywords

    • Caspase-1
    • Cell repair
    • Epithelium
    • Inflammation
    • NLRP3

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