Related Experiment Video
Updated: Jul 9, 2026
06:52
Detection of Inflammasome Activation and Pyroptotic Cell Death in Murine Bone Marrow-derived Macrophages
Published on: May 21, 2018
COPs and POPs: modulators of inflammasome activity
Christian Stehlik1, Andrea Dorfleutner
1Department of Medicine, Division of Rheumatology, Northwestern University Feinberg School of Medicine, Chicago, IL 60611, USA. c-stehlik@northwestern.edu
Journal of Immunology (Baltimore, Md. : 1950)
|December 7, 2007
Summary
Inflammasomes, crucial for immunity, are regulated by CARD-only proteins (COPs) and PYD-only proteins (POPs). These proteins act as dominant negative regulators, modulating inflammasome activity during infection and tissue damage.
Area of Science:
- * Molecular biology
- * Immunology
- * Biochemistry
Background:
- * Inflammasomes are protein complexes activating inflammatory caspases.
- * They are essential for processing and secreting IL-1beta and IL-18 cytokines.
- * Key inflammasome proteins contain caspase recruitment domains (CARDs) or pyrin domains (PYDs).
Purpose of the Study:
- * To summarize recent advances in inflammasome regulation.
- * To highlight the role of CARD-only proteins (COPs) and PYD-only proteins (POPs) in inflammasome modulation.
- * To emphasize the importance of inflammasome regulation in immunity and inflammatory diseases.
Main Methods:
- * Review of existing literature on inflammasome biology.
- * Analysis of CARD- and PYD-mediated protein interactions.
- * Examination of the regulatory functions of COPs and POPs.
Main Results:
- * CARD- and PYD-mediated interactions are key to inflammasome activation mechanisms.
- * Precise regulation of inflammasomes remains incompletely understood.
- * COPs and POPs function as endogenous dominant negative regulators of inflammasome activity.
Conclusions:
- * COPs and POPs are critical regulators of inflammasome function.
- * Understanding inflammasome regulation is vital for addressing inflammatory diseases.
- * Further research into inflammasome regulation will advance our knowledge of immunity.
Related Concept Videos
01:28Inflammatory Response
An inflammatory response is a localized, nonspecific immune reaction that occurs when a tissue is injured. It is characterized by redness, swelling, heat, and pain, which are commonly called the cardinal signs and symptoms of inflammation. Inflammation can sometimes result in a loss of function.
Inflammation can be triggered by various stimuli, such as impact, abrasion, chemical irritation, infections, and extreme hot or cold temperatures. These can damage cells and connective tissue fibers,...
Inflammation can be triggered by various stimuli, such as impact, abrasion, chemical irritation, infections, and extreme hot or cold temperatures. These can damage cells and connective tissue fibers,...
01:24Caspases
Caspase, a family of cysteine proteases, serve as effectors in apoptosis. The ced3 gene in C.elegans was first identified to be involved in apoptosis. This gene encodes the ced-3 caspase that is similar to the interleukin-1-beta converting enzyme or ICE in mammals. In addition to apoptosis, caspases also function in the inflammatory response. Inflammatory caspases are essential in activating pro-inflammatory cytokines that recruit immune cells and block the replication of pathogens inside cells.
01:26Acute Inflammation I: Inflammatory Response
Acute inflammation is a rapid, short-lived physiological response to tissue injury or infection, designed to eliminate harmful agents and initiate repair. This tightly regulated process typically lasts from minutes to several days and is triggered by factors such as microbial invasion, physical trauma, or chemical injury.Recognition and Mediator ReleaseThe inflammatory response begins when resident immune cells—such as mast cells, macrophages, and dendritic cells—detect damage-associated...
01:28Inflammation: Introduction
Inflammation is a fundamental, protective biological response of vascularized tissues to cellular injury, infection, or harmful stimuli. Its primary function is to eliminate the initial cause of injury, clear necrotic cells and damaged tissue, and initiate the necessary repair processes.Cardinal SignsAcute inflammation presents with classic signs. Redness results from vasodilation and increased blood flow. Heat is due to increased metabolism and circulation. Swelling results from the...
01:38Inflammation
Overview
02:26NF-κB-dependent Signaling Pathway
The transcription factor NF-κB was discovered in 1986 in the lab of Nobel laureate Professor David Baltimore, for its interaction with the immunoglobulin light chain enhancer in B-cells. After more than three decades of study, it is now evident that NF-κB regulates the expression of over 100 genes. Most of these genes play an essential role in the innate and adaptive immune responses as well as the inflammatory responses of animals.
NF-κB-dependent Signaling Mechanism
The heterodimer of NF-κB...
NF-κB-dependent Signaling Mechanism
The heterodimer of NF-κB...