Unraveling the NALP-3/IL-1beta inflammasome: a big lesson from a small mutation

Immunity. 2004 Mar;20(3):243-4. doi: 10.1016/s1074-7613(04)00055-x.

Abstract

Cytokine-mediated inflammation is a target for novel therapies as well as for fundamental research. A single amino acid mutation in the NALP-3 gene controlling the activation of caspase-1 results in increased processing of the inactive IL-1beta precursor and release of the active cytokine. Blocking IL-1 receptors arrests inflammation in humans with the mutation.

Publication types

  • Comment

MeSH terms

  • Autoimmune Diseases / immunology
  • Carrier Proteins / genetics
  • Carrier Proteins / metabolism*
  • Caspase 1 / metabolism
  • Humans
  • Inflammation / immunology*
  • Interleukin-1 / metabolism*
  • Macromolecular Substances
  • Models, Immunological
  • Monocytes / immunology
  • Mutation
  • NLR Family, Pyrin Domain-Containing 3 Protein
  • Protein Precursors / metabolism*

Substances

  • Carrier Proteins
  • Interleukin-1
  • Macromolecular Substances
  • NLR Family, Pyrin Domain-Containing 3 Protein
  • NLRP3 protein, human
  • Protein Precursors
  • interleukin 1 precursor
  • Caspase 1