The significance of inflammasome activation during each phase of wound healing

Abstract

The inflammasome is a critical inflammatory signaling cascade. Diverse events, including infections or tissue damage, activate it. It is essential in regulating the early stages of wound healing but is overall downregulated in the later stages. If uncontrolled inflammasome expression occurs, healing tends to stall and chronic wounds ensue due to the release of proinflammatory cytokines, such as interleukin (IL)-1β and IL-18. Furthermore, if left unchecked, chronically activated inflammasomes can promote a healing milieu when none is warranted and this can cause fibroproliferative skin disorders such as keloids and hypertrophic scars. This review examines the role of the inflammasome and what is known about its regulation in each phase of wound healing. This review also discusses the contribution of inflammasome activation during stalled wound healing, such as that found in chronic wounds and diabetic ulcers. It discusses the hyperactivation of the inflammasome during fibrotic skin pathology. A better understanding of the contribution of inflammasome signaling in various stages of wound healing could lead to identifying more effective therapeutics for treating different aspects of abnormal wound healing.