Integrative inflammasome activity in the regulation of intestinal mucosal immune responses

Mucosal Immunol. 2013 Jan;6(1):4-13. doi: 10.1038/mi.2012.115. Epub 2012 Dec 5.

Abstract

The mammalian intestinal tract harbors a vast and diverse ecosystem of microbes that are separated from the sterile host milieu by a single layer of epithelial cells. While this bio-geographical configuration is critical for host biological processes, it imposes a risk for microbial penetration and life-threatening systemic invasion. Inflammasomes are cytosolic multi-protein platforms that sense both microbial and damage-associated molecular patterns and initiate a potent innate immune anti-microbial response. In this review, we will highlight the role of inflammasomes in the orchestration and regulation of the intestinal immune response, focusing on the roles of inflammasomes in maintenance of intestinal homeostasis, enteric infection, auto-inflammation, and tumorigenesis. We highlight the centrality of inflammasome signaling in the complex cross-talk between host mucosal immune arms and the environment, in particular the microflora, with emphasis on the spatial and temporal integration of inflammasome activation with signals from other innate signaling platforms.

Publication types

  • Research Support, Non-U.S. Gov't
  • Review

MeSH terms

  • Animals
  • Apoptosis Regulatory Proteins / genetics
  • Apoptosis Regulatory Proteins / metabolism
  • Calcium-Binding Proteins / genetics
  • Calcium-Binding Proteins / metabolism
  • Cell Transformation, Neoplastic / genetics
  • Cell Transformation, Neoplastic / immunology
  • Cell Transformation, Neoplastic / metabolism
  • Colitis / complications
  • Colitis / immunology
  • Colitis / metabolism
  • Colorectal Neoplasms / etiology
  • Humans
  • Immunity, Mucosal*
  • Infections / immunology
  • Infections / metabolism
  • Inflammasomes / metabolism*
  • Inflammation / immunology
  • Inflammation / metabolism
  • Intestinal Mucosa / immunology*
  • Intestinal Mucosa / metabolism*

Substances

  • Apoptosis Regulatory Proteins
  • Calcium-Binding Proteins
  • Inflammasomes
  • Ipaf protein, mouse