NLRP3 inflammasome as a key driver of vascular disease

Nucleotide-binding oligomerization domain-like receptor family pyrin domain containing 3 (NLRP3) is an intracellular innate immune receptor that recognizes a diverse range of stimuli derived from pathogens, damaged or dead cells, and irritants. NLRP3 activation causes the assembly of a large multiprotein complex termed the NLRP3 inflammasome, and leads to the secretion of bioactive interleukin (IL)-1β and IL-18 as well as the induction of inflammatory cell death termed pyroptosis. Accumulating evidence indicates that NLRP3 inflammasome plays a key role in the pathogenesis of sterile inflammatory diseases, including atherosclerosis and other vascular diseases. Indeed, the results of the Canakinumab Anti-inflammatory Thrombosis Outcome Study trial demonstrated that IL-1β-mediated inflammation plays an important role in atherothrombotic events and suggested that NLRP3 inflammasome is a key driver of atherosclerosis. In this review, we will summarize the current state of knowledge regarding the role of NLRP3 inflammasome in vascular diseases, in particular in atherosclerosis, vascular injury, aortic aneurysm, and Kawasaki disease vasculitis, and discuss NLRP3 inflammasome as a therapeutic target for these disorders.