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Updated: May 11, 2026

Activation and Measurement of NLRP3 Inflammasome Activity Using IL-1β in Human Monocyte-derived Dendritic Cells
09:04

Activation and Measurement of NLRP3 Inflammasome Activity Using IL-1β in Human Monocyte-derived Dendritic Cells

Published on: May 22, 2014

Human pathogenic fungus Trichophyton schoenleinii activates the NLRP3 inflammasome

Hua Li1, Shuxian Wu, Liming Mao

  • 1College of Life Science, Shandong Normal University, Jinan 250014, China.

Protein & Cell
|May 21, 2013
PubMed

Insights

Trichophyton schoenleinii infection activates the NLRP3 inflammasome in human cells. This innate immune response involves IL-1β secretion, crucial for host defense against T. schoenleinii.

Area of Science:

  • Immunology
  • Mycology
  • Cell Biology

Background:

  • The fungus Trichophyton schoenleinii causes scalp infections like Tinea favosa.
  • The human innate immune system, including inflammasomes, defends against pathogens.
  • Inflammasomes are key protein complexes regulating IL-1β maturation.

Purpose of the Study:

  • To investigate if T. schoenleinii activates the inflammasome.
  • To identify the specific inflammasome pathway involved in the host response.

Main Methods:

  • Infection of human monocytic THP-1 cells with T. schoenleinii.
  • Analysis of IL-1β production, ASC pyroptosome formation, and caspase-1 activation.
  • Use of competitive inhibitors and shRNA for gene silencing (NLRP3, Cathepsin B).
  • Assessment of reactive oxygen species (ROS) and potassium (K⁺) efflux.

Main Results:

  • T. schoenleinii rapidly induced IL-1β secretion from THP-1 cells.
  • Inflammasome activation (IL-1β, ASC, caspase-1) was dependent on NLRP3.
  • Cathepsin B activity, ROS production, and K⁺ efflux were essential for activation.

Conclusions:

  • The NLRP3 inflammasome is critical for host defense against T. schoenleinii.
  • Targeting NLRP3 signaling may offer a new strategy for treating T. schoenleinii infections.

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