Related Experiment Video
Updated: Oct 23, 2025

Activation and Measurement of NLRP3 Inflammasome Activity Using IL-1β in Human Monocyte-derived Dendritic Cells
Published on: May 22, 2014
IKKβ is required for the formation of the NLRP3 inflammasome
Sambit K Nanda1, Alan R Prescott2, Clara Figueras-Vadillo1
1MRC Protein Phosphorylation and Ubiquitylation Unit, University of Dundee, Dundee, UK.
Abstract:
The rapid formation and activation of the NLRP3 inflammasome is induced by co-stimulation with LPS and nigericin. It requires the LPS-stimulated activation of IKKβ, which exerts its effects independently of de novo gene transcription, protein translation and other protein kinases activated by IKKβ. IKKβ is not required for the nigericin-induced dispersion of the trans-Golgi network (TGN), but to bring NLRP3 in proximity with TGN38. The nigericin-induced dispersion of the Golgi is enhanced by co-stimulation with LPS, and this enhancement is IKKβ-dependent. Prolonged stimulation with LPS to increase the expression of NLRP3, followed by stimulation with nigericin, produced larger TGN38-positive puncta, and the ensuing activation of the NLRP3 inflammasome was also suppressed by IKKβ inhibitors added prior to stimulation with nigericin. IKKβ therefore has a key role in recruiting NLRP3 to the dispersed TGN, leading to the formation and activation of the NLRP3 inflammasome.
Related Concept Videos
NF-κB-dependent Signaling Pathway
NF-κB-dependent Signaling Mechanism
The...
Nuclear Localization Signals and Import
Regulation of the Unfolded Protein Response
The Intrinsic Apoptotic Pathway
Regulation of Nuclear Protein Sorting
Intralumenal Vesicles and Multivesicular Bodies

