Inflammasomes of the intestinal epithelium.

Abstract

While the functional importance of inflammasomes in blood-derived cell types is well established, it remains poorly understood how inflammasomes in nonhematopoietic cells contribute to mucosal immunity. Recent studies have revealed functional roles of inflammasomes - particularly NAIP/NLRC4, NLRP6, and noncanonical caspase-4 (caspase-11) - within epithelial cells of the gut in mucosal immune defense, inflammation, and tumorigenesis. Here, we review and discuss these findings in the broader context of tissue compartment-specific mucosal immunity. We propose several models whereby activities of the intestinal epithelial inflammasomes converge on mechanisms to remove compromised epithelial cells, maintain host-microbiota mutualism, and communicate with immune cells of the underlying lamina propria.

• Authors: Mikael E Sellin, Kendle M Maslowski, Kevin J Maloy, Wolf-Dietrich Hardt
• Journal: Trends in immunology (Trends Immunol) Vol. 36 Issue 8 Pg. 442-50 (Aug 2015) ISSN: 1471-4981 [Electronic] England
• PMID: 26166583 (Publication Type: Journal Article, Research Support, Non-U.S. Gov't, Review)
• Copyright: Copyright © 2015 Elsevier Ltd. All rights reserved.

Chemical References

• Inflammasomes

Topics

• Animals
• Humans
• Immunity, Mucosal
• Inflammasomes (immunology)
• Intestinal Mucosa (immunology)