Critical role for the AIM2 inflammasome during acute CNS bacterial infection

Critical role for the NLRP3 inflammasome during acute lung injury.

The inflammasome is a key factor in innate immunity and senses soluble pathogen and danger-associated molecular patterns as well as biological crystals (urate, cholesterol, etc.), resulting in expression of IL-1β and IL-18. Using a standard model of acute lung injury (ALI) in mice featuring airway instillation of LPS, ALI was dependent on availability of NLRP3 as well as caspase-1, which are kn...

Activates the Inflammasome via Aim2 Cutting Edge: Cytosolic Bacterial DNA

The Role of Chemokines during Viral Infection of the CNS

Viral infection of the central nervous system (CNS) poses unique challenges to the immune system with regards to controlling and eliminating the invading pathogen. These obstacles include the presence of a blood–brain barrier (BBB) that provides a physical and physiological barrier that is difficult for cells and molecules to cross, the absence of classic lymphatic drainage that may impair the ...

The transcription factor IRF1 and guanylate-binding proteins target AIM2 inflammasome activation by Francisella infection

Inflammasomes are critical for mounting host defense against pathogens. The molecular mechanisms controlling activation of the AIM2 inflammasome in response to different cytosolic pathogens is unclear. Here, we show that the transcription factor IRF1 is the upstream molecule leading to AIM2 inflammasome activation during Francisella novicida infection, whereas engagement of the AIM2 inflammasom...

Listeria monocytogenes is sensed by the NLRP3 and AIM2 inflammasome.

The inflammasome pathway functions to regulate caspase-1 activation in response to a broad range of stimuli. Caspase-1 activation is required for the maturation of the pivotal pro-inflammatory cytokines of the pro-IL-1beta family. In addition, caspase-1 activation leads to a certain type of cell death known as pyroptosis. Activation of the inflammasome has been shown to play a critical role in ...