The NLRP3 inflammasome fires up heme-induced inflammation in hemolytic conditions

Overactive inflammatory responses are central to the pathophysiology of many hemolytic conditions including sickle cell disease. Excessive hemolysis leads to elevated serum levels of heme due to saturation of heme scavenging mechanisms. Extracellular heme has been shown to activate the NLRP3 inflammasome leading to activation of caspase-1 and release of pro-inflammatory cytokines IL-1 β and IL-18. Heme also activates the non-canonical inflammasome pathway which may contribute to NLRP3 inflammasome formation and leads to pyroptosis, a type of inflammatory cell death.
Source: Translational Research - Category: Research Authors: Tags: Review Article Source Type: research