Targeting NLRP3 inflammasome improved the neurogenesis and post-stroke cognition in a mouse model of photothrombotic stroke

Post-stroke cognitive impairment (PSCI) severely affects the quality of a survivor's life, but its neurophysiological basis remains unknown. Neuroinflammation has been considered as an important contributor to PSCI, which could be induced or exacerbated by system inflammation. NACHT-LRR- and pyrin-domain-containing protein 3 (NLRP3) inflammasome is the most widely studied in the initiation of inflammation. Here, using a mouse model of photothrombotic stroke, we demonstrated that NLRP3 activation plays a critical role in PSCI. Intraperitoneal injection of the lipopolysaccharide-activated NLRP3 inflammasome, exacerbated the microglial activation and decreased the number of neurons, impaired the hippocampal neurogenesis, eventually aggravated PSCI. Intraperitoneal injection of MCC950 inhibited the NLRP3 activation, decreased the number of microglia, increased the number of neurons and promoted the hippocampal neurogenesis, eventually improved PSCI. Our results identified NLRP3 inflammasome as an important modifier of neuropathology in PSCI, which could be a could be a potential therapeutic target for PSCI treatment.