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Updated: May 22, 2026

Activation and Measurement of NLRP3 Inflammasome Activity Using IL-1β in Human Monocyte-derived Dendritic Cells
Published on: May 22, 2014
The role of inflammasome modulation in virulence
Christopher R Lupfer1, Thirumala-Devi Kanneganti
1Department of Immunology, St. Jude Children's Research Hospital, Memphis, TN, USA.
Abstract:
Pathogens frequently exist in an immunological balancing act with their host. Pathogens must not only replicate within a host but also transmit effectively between hosts to perpetuate their species. On the other hand, the host seeks to maintain homeostasis by clearing pathogens. The inflammasome is a multi-protein complex that can induce cell death and processes IL-1β and additional proinflammatory substrates. In this review we discuss the pathogen specific modulation of inflammasome activation and the role this plays in virulence and disease pathology.
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