Inflammasome activation by SARS-CoV-2 and its participation in COVID-19 exacerbation

Curr Opin Immunol. 2023 Sep 11;84:102387. doi: 10.1016/j.coi.2023.102387. Online ahead of print.ABSTRACTCOVID-19 is an infectious and inflammatory disease caused by SARS-CoV-2 (Severe Acute Respiratory Syndrome-Coronavirus-2) that might progress to severe illness in humans, characterized by excessive pulmonary and systemic inflammation. Exacerbated production of inflammatory cytokines and cell death contributes to disease aggravation and the inflammasomes take a central stage in this process. Activation of the NLRP3 has been demonstrated in macrophages and monocytes infected in vitro, in mouse models of infection, and in cells and lungs of severe cases of COVID-19. It is still not clear how SARS-CoV-2 activates the NLRP3 inflammasome, and recent reports suggest that the virus engages the CASP4/11 (Caspase 4/11)-mediated noncanonical activation of NLRP3. In this review, we discuss the recent data regarding the activation of NLRP3 inflammasome by SARS-CoV-2 and their participation in the development of severe cases of COVID-19.PMID:37703588 | DOI:10.1016/j.coi.2023.102387
Source: Current Opinion in Immunology - Category: Allergy & Immunology Authors: Source Type: research