Work

Inflammasomes and intestinal homeostasis: regulating and connecting infection, inflammation and the microbiota

Year: 2014

Type: article

Abstract: Inflammasomes are large cytosolic protein complexes that detect infection and stress-associated signals and promote immediate inflammatory responses. In the intestine, activation of the inflammasome leads to an inflammatory response that is important for controlling enteric infections but can also result in pathological tissue damage. Recent studies have suggested that the inflammasome also regulates intestinal homeostasis through its effects on the intestinal microbiota. Notably, many conflicting studies have been published regarding the effect of inflammasome deficiencies on intestinal homeostasis. Here, we attempt to reconcile these contrasting data by highlighting the many ways that the inflammasome contributes to intestinal homeostasis and pathology and exploring the potential role of alterations in the microbiota in these conflicting studies.

Source: International Immunology

DOI: 10.1093/intimm/dxu066

Authors: Nicola Gagliani, Noah W. Palm, Marcel R. de Zoete, Richard A. Flavell

Institutions: Yale University, Howard Hughes Medical Institute

Language: English

Topic: Inflammasome and immune disorders

Subfield: Molecular Biology

Field: Biochemistry, Genetics and Molecular Biology

Domain: Life Sciences

SDG: Good health and well-being

Open Access status: bronze

Funders: Howard Hughes Medical Institute, Cancer Research Institute