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Lessons from the inflammasome: a molecular sentry linking Candida and Crohn's disease

Linda M Rehaume1, Thierry Jouault, Mathias Chamaillard

  • 1University of British Columbia, Centre for Microbial Disease & Immunity Research, 2259 Lower Mall, Vancouver, BC, Canada V6T 1Z4.

Trends in Immunology
|February 13, 2010
PubMed

Insights

The Nod-like receptor pyrin domain-containing protein 3 (NLRP3) inflammasome acts as a defense against Candida albicans. Dysfunctional NLRP3 may contribute to Crohn's disease by promoting fungal colonization.

Area of Science:

  • Immunology
  • Microbiology
  • Gastroenterology

Background:

  • Candida albicans is a common commensal fungus that can cause severe infections in immunocompromised individuals.
  • The Nod-like receptor pyrin domain-containing protein 3 (NLRP3) inflammasome is a key component of the innate immune system involved in detecting microbial threats.
  • Emerging evidence suggests a link between NLRP3 inflammasome activity and autoinflammatory conditions.

Purpose of the Study:

  • To explore the role of the NLRP3 inflammasome in host defense against Candida albicans.
  • To investigate the potential contribution of NLRP3 inflammasome dysfunction to the pathogenesis of Crohn's disease.

Main Methods:

  • Review of recent immunological investigations and proposed pathophysiological models.
  • Analysis of the dual role of NLRP3 activation in Candida infection and autoinflammatory syndromes.

Main Results:

  • NLRP3 acts as a cytosolic surveillance mechanism against germinating Candida.
  • Excessive NLRP3 activation can protect against disseminated Candida but may lead to autoinflammatory syndromes.
  • Defective NLRP3 inflammasome function may promote mucosal colonization by C. albicans, potentially contributing to Crohn's disease.

Conclusions:

  • The NLRP3 inflammasome plays a critical role in managing Candida albicans colonization and infection.
  • NLRP3 inflammasome dysregulation presents a potential molecular link between Candida and autoinflammatory diseases, including Crohn's disease.

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