NLRP3 inflammasome as a novel player in myocardial infarction

Inflammasomes are multiple protein complexes that serve as molecular platforms to activate caspase-1 and regulate maturation of a potent proinflammatory cytokine, interleukin (IL)-1β, as well as proinflammatory cell death, pyroptosis. Although several types of inflammasomes have been reported so far, recent investigations indicate that the NLRP3 inflammasome recognizes non-microbial danger signals and leads to sterile inflammatory responses in various disease conditions. Sterile inflammatory responses are also implicated in the development of myocardial infarction (MI). In particular, IL-1β is an early and prominent mediator of inflammatory responses in MI, suggesting the pathophysiologic role of NLRP3 inflammasomes in MI. This review highlights the current state of knowledge regarding the role of NLRP3 inflammasomes in MI.