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The inflammasome is a cytoplasmic multiprotein complex that activates caspase-1 and -5, leading to the processing and secretion of the pro-inflammatory cytokines, IL-1 beta, IL-18, and IL-33. Assembly of inflammasomes depends on the NOD-like receptor family members, such as the NALP proteins. The two best-characterized inflammasomes are the NALP1 inflammasome, composed of NALP1, the adaptor protein ASC, and pro-caspase-1 and -5; and the NALP3 inflammasome, composed of NALP3, ASC, pro-caspase-1, and Cardinal. Inflammasomes cooperate with Toll-like receptors to mediate appropriate responses to pathogenic triggers and metabolic or genotoxic stress. Inflammasomes link these signals to the proteolytic processing of interleukins, which promote the inflammatory response. Aberrant regulation or mutations in components of the inflammasome complex are associated with auto-inflammatory disorders.
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