Inflammasomes in carcinogenesis and anticancer immune responses.

Abstract

In the complex interplay between malignant cells and their microenvironment, caspase-1 activation complexes (inflammasomes) have contrasting roles. Inflammasomes may operate at the cell-autonomous level to eliminate malignant precursors through programmed cell death or, conversely, may stimulate the production of trophic factors for cancer cells and their stroma. In inflammatory cells, caspase-1 activation can fuel a cycle that leads to sterile inflammation and carcinogenesis, whereas in antigen-presenting cells, inflammasomes can stimulate anticancer immune responses. The inhibition of inflammasomes or neutralization of their products, mainly interleukin 1β (IL-1β) and IL-18, has profound effects on carcinogenesis and tumor progression. Thus, inflammasomes are promising therapeutic targets in cancer-related clinical conditions. Here we discuss present and future indications for the clinical use of inflammasome inhibitors.

• Authors: Laurence Zitvogel, Oliver Kepp, Lorenzo Galluzzi, Guido Kroemer
• Journal: Nature immunology (Nat Immunol) Vol. 13 Issue 4 Pg. 343-51 (Mar 18 2012) ISSN: 1529-2916 [Electronic] United States
• PMID: 22430787 (Publication Type: Journal Article, Research Support, Non-U.S. Gov't, Review)

Chemical References

• Inflammasomes

Topics

• Animals
• Humans
• Immunologic Surveillance (immunology)
• Inflammasomes (immunology)
• Neoplasms (immunology)