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AIM2 Inflammasome's First Decade of Discovery: Focus on Oral Diseases
Lufei Wang1,2, Lu Sun3, Kevin M Byrd2
1State Key Laboratory of Oral Diseases, National Clinical Research Center for Oral Diseases, Department of Orthodontics, West China Hospital of Stomatology, Sichuan University, Chengdu, China.
Abstract:
A common feature of many acute and chronic oral diseases is microbial-induced inflammation. Innate immune responses are the first line of defense against pathogenic microorganisms and are initiated by pattern recognition receptors (PRRs) that specifically recognize pathogen-associated molecular patterns and danger-associated molecular patterns. The activation of certain PRRs can lead to the assembly of macromolecular oligomers termed inflammasomes, which are responsible for pro-inflammatory cytokine maturation and secretion and thus activate host inflammatory responses. About 10 years ago, the absent in melanoma 2 (AIM2) was independently discovered by four research groups, and among the "canonical" inflammasomes [including AIM2, NLR family pyrin domain (NLRP)1, NLRP3, NLR family apoptosis inhibitory protein (NAIP)/NLR family, caspase activation and recruitment domain (CARD) containing (NLRC)4, and pyrin], AIM2 so far is the only one that simultaneously acts as a cytosolic DNA sensor due to its DNA-binding ability. Undoubtedly, such a double-faceted role gives AIM2 greater mission and more potential in the mediation of innate immune responses. Therefore, AIM2 has garnered much attention from the broad scientific community during its first 10 years of discovery (2009-2019). How the AIM2 inflammasome is related to oral diseases has aroused debate over the past few years and is under active investigation. AIM2 inflammasome may potentially be a key link between oral diseases and innate immunity. In this review, we highlight the current knowledge of the AIM2 inflammasome and its critical role in the pathogenesis of various oral diseases, which might offer future possibilities for disease prevention and targeted therapy utilizing this continued understanding.
Insights
The absent in melanoma 2 (AIM2) inflammasome, a sensor of cytosolic DNA, plays a crucial role in oral disease pathogenesis. Understanding AIM2
Area of Science:
- Immunology
- Oral Pathology
- Molecular Biology
Background:
- Microbial-induced inflammation is common in oral diseases.
- Pattern recognition receptors (PRRs) initiate innate immune responses.
- Inflammasomes, like AIM2, mediate inflammatory responses via cytokine secretion.
Purpose of the Study:
- To review current knowledge on the AIM2 inflammasome.
- To highlight AIM2's role in oral disease pathogenesis.
- To explore AIM2 as a potential therapeutic target.
Main Methods:
- Literature review of AIM2 inflammasome research.
- Analysis of AIM2's function as a DNA sensor.
- Investigation of AIM2's involvement in oral inflammation.
Main Results:
- AIM2 is the only known inflammasome that senses cytosolic DNA.
- AIM2 has a dual role as a DNA sensor and inflammasome component.
- AIM2 is implicated in the pathogenesis of various oral diseases.
Conclusions:
- AIM2 inflammasome is a key link between oral diseases and innate immunity.
- AIM2 offers potential for future oral disease prevention and targeted therapy.
- Further research is needed to fully elucidate AIM2's role in oral health.
