The NLRP3 inflammasome, a target for therapy in diverse disease states

Abstract

A role for NLRP3 inflammasome in recurrent and chronic inflammation was initially described in a group of rare autoinflammatory conditions, termed cryopyrin-associated periodic syndrome. Subsequently, inflammasomes have been implicated in the pathology of many common diseases, including cancer, gout and diabetes. Despite diverse pathologies, the central role of the inflammasome in innate defences and tumour elimination suggests common therapeutic approaches to reduce inflammation where appropriate. © 2010 Wiley-VCH Verlag GmbH & Co. KGaA.