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Related Concept Videos

Caspases01:24

Caspases

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.
The Extrinsic Apoptotic Pathway01:17

The Extrinsic Apoptotic Pathway

The extrinsic apoptotic pathway is initiated when extracellular death-inducing signals, such as specific cytokines, activate the death receptors expressed on the cell surface. The immune cells involved in this pathway are natural killer cells (NK cells) and cytotoxic T-lymphocytes. NK cells are critical in innate immune response, while cytotoxic T-lymphocytes are associated with adaptive immune response. These cells recognize specific receptors expressed on the altered cells and activate...
The Intrinsic Apoptotic Pathway01:31

The Intrinsic Apoptotic Pathway

Internal cellular stress, such as cellular injury or hypoxia, triggers intrinsic apoptosis. The B-cell lymphoma 2 (Bcl-2) family of proteins are the primary regulators of the intrinsic apoptotic pathway. For example, during DNA damage, checkpoint proteins, such as Ataxia Telangiectasia Mutated (ATM protein) and Checkpoints Factor-2 (Chk2) proteins, are activated. These proteins phosphorylate p53 which further activates pro-apoptotic proteins, such as Bax, Bak, PUMA, and Noxa, and inhibits...
Phagocytosis of Apoptotic Cells01:17

Phagocytosis of Apoptotic Cells

Cells undergoing apoptosis form apoptotic bodies that must be removed immediately to prevent inflammation, autoimmune diseases, and necrosis. Phagocytosis is carried out by professional phagocytes such as macrophages or  immature dendritic cells. Non-professional phagocytes such as  epithelial cells and fibroblasts also take part in this process; however, they are not as effective as professional phagocytes. 
Normal cells contain receptors that prevent them from being recognized by phagocytes.
Apoptosis01:30

Apoptosis

Apoptosis is a combination of two Greek words, 'apo' and 'ptosis,' meaning separation and falling off, respectively. Hippocrates used this word to describe gangrene, which was caused due to bandaging of fractured bones. Apoptosis was distinguished from necrosis in 1970 when John Kerr reported observations of morphological changes occurring during apoptosis. During one experiment, he observed that the disruption of blood supply to the liver tissue resulted in a size reduction of the tissue.
Cellular Injury V: Apoptosis and Autophagy01:22

Cellular Injury V: Apoptosis and Autophagy

Cells respond to damage and stress through highly coordinated processes that decide whether they survive or undergo controlled self-destruction. Two major pathways involved in this regulation are apoptosis, a type of programmed cell death, and autophagy, a survival mechanism that helps cells adapt to adverse conditions.ApoptosisApoptosis removes aged or injured cells to maintain tissue balance. During this process, the cell shrinks, chromatin condenses and fragments, and membrane-bound...

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Updated: May 11, 2026

Visualization of Inflammatory Caspases Induced Proximity in Human Monocyte-Derived Macrophages
08:41

Visualization of Inflammatory Caspases Induced Proximity in Human Monocyte-Derived Macrophages

Published on: April 6, 2022

Caspase-1: the inflammasome and beyond.

Gabriel Sollberger1, Gerhard E Strittmatter, Martha Garstkiewicz

  • 1Department of Dermatology, University Hospital Zürich, Zürich, Switzerland.

Innate Immunity
|May 17, 2013
PubMed
Summary

Caspase-1 is crucial for innate immunity and inflammation by activating key cytokines. This review explores its known roles in pyroptosis and less-understood functions in cell survival and immune defense.

Keywords:
CaspasesIL-1inflammasomeinflammationunconventional protein secretion

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Visualization of Inflammatory Caspases Induced Proximity in Human Monocyte-Derived Macrophages
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Visualization of Inflammatory Caspases Induced Proximity in Human Monocyte-Derived Macrophages

Published on: April 6, 2022

Detection of Inflammasome Activation and Pyroptotic Cell Death in Murine Bone Marrow-derived Macrophages
06:52

Detection of Inflammasome Activation and Pyroptotic Cell Death in Murine Bone Marrow-derived Macrophages

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Evaluation of Caspase Activation to Assess Innate Immune Cell Death
10:23

Evaluation of Caspase Activation to Assess Innate Immune Cell Death

Published on: January 20, 2023

Area of Science:

  • Immunology
  • Molecular Biology
  • Cell Biology

Background:

  • Caspase-1 is a protease central to innate immunity and inflammatory diseases.
  • It activates pro-inflammatory cytokines, including proIL-1β and proIL-18, through inflammasome complexes.
  • Pyroptosis, a programmed cell death pathway dependent on caspase-1, amplifies inflammatory responses.

Purpose of the Study:

  • To review the canonical functions of caspase-1 in immunity and inflammation.
  • To highlight less-recognized pathways and downstream targets regulated by caspase-1.
  • To explore caspase-1's multifaceted roles in cell survival, repair, and immune defense.

Main Methods:

  • Literature review of studies on caspase-1 activation and function.
  • Analysis of canonical and non-canonical caspase-1 pathways.
  • Examination of caspase-1's role in inflammasome complexes and pyroptosis.

Main Results:

  • Caspase-1 activation of IL-1β and IL-18 drives inflammatory responses via pyroptosis.
  • Caspase-1 also promotes cell survival through NF-κB activation and membrane repair.
  • Its roles in glycolysis and caspase-7 activation require further investigation.

Conclusions:

  • Caspase-1 has diverse, often opposing, roles in innate and adaptive immunity, cell repair, and disease pathogenesis.
  • Understanding these complex pathways is essential for targeting inflammatory conditions.
  • Further research is needed to elucidate the physiological impact of all caspase-1 downstream targets.