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A Rapid and Specific Microplate Assay for the Determination of Intra- and Extracellular Ascorbate in Cultured Cells
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Unknown/enigmatic functions of extracellular ASC
Jean Gabriel de Souza1,2,3, Nancy Starobinas1,2, Olga Celia Martinez Ibañez1,2
1Laboratory of Immunogenetics, Butantan Institute, São Paulo, Brazil.
Immunology
|May 27, 2021
Summary
Extracellular ASC specks (apoptosis-associated speck-like protein containing a caspase recruit domain) amplify inflammation and immune responses. These specks, found in chronic inflammatory diseases, are crucial for understanding disease pathogenesis and potential biomarkers.
Area of Science:
- Immunology
- Molecular Biology
- Biochemistry
Background:
- Apoptosis-associated speck-like protein containing a caspase recruit domain (ASC) is an adaptor protein involved in inflammasome activation.
- ASC aggregates into specks, playing roles in both physiological and pathological inflammatory processes.
- Extracellular ASC specks (eASC) released during pyroptosis act as danger signals, propagating inflammation.
Purpose of the Study:
- To provide an overview of ASC protein, focusing on the roles of eASC specks.
- To explore the probable involvement of eASC specks in various diseases.
- To review recent studies on eASC specks, including their role in COVID-19.
Main Methods:
- Literature review and synthesis of existing research on ASC specks.
- Analysis of studies investigating eASC specks in inflammatory diseases.
- Inclusion of recent findings related to COVID-19 and eASC.
Main Results:
- eASC specks are found in circulation of patients with chronic inflammatory diseases, serving as potential biomarkers.
- eASC specks can amplify inflammatory signals, induce autoantibodies, and influence adaptive immunity.
- Recent studies highlight the involvement of eASC specks in diseases such as COVID-19.
Conclusions:
- eASC specks are significant mediators of inflammation and immune responses.
- Further research is needed to fully elucidate the enigmatic roles of eASC specks in various diseases.
- Understanding eASC specks offers potential for novel diagnostic and therapeutic strategies in inflammatory conditions.
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