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Interaction between the inflammasome and commensal microorganisms in gastrointestinal health and disease
Daisuke Watanabe1, Yijie Guo1, Nobuhiko Kamada1
1Division of Gastroenterology and Hepatology, Department of Internal Medicine, University of Michigan, Ann Arbor, MI, USA.
Abstract:
The inflammasome is a cytosolic multiprotein complex that plays a crucial role in inflammation and cell death. The sensor proteins in the inflammasome complex detect various microbial and endogenous stimuli, leading to subsequent caspase activation. The activation of caspases results in the maturation of pro-inflammatory cytokines IL-1β and IL-18 or pyroptosis. Inflammasome dysfunction is associated with the pathogenesis of various diseases, including autoimmune disease and cancer. It appears that the interactions between the gut microbiota and the inflammasome play crucial roles in the gastrointestinal tract. The gut microbiota induces the expression and activation of inflammasome proteins, which contribute to both homeostasis and disease in the gut. Likewise, although controversial, mounting evidence suggests that inflammasome activation can modulate the composition of the gut microbiota, which, in turn, affects disease progression. In this review, we summarize the current concepts and recent insights linking the inflammasome and gut commensal microorganisms. We describe how the reciprocal interaction between the inflammasome and the commensal microbiota relates to physiological and pathophysiological consequences in the host.
Insights
The inflammasome, a key inflammation regulator, interacts with gut microbes. This review explores how this relationship impacts gut health and disease, influencing host physiology and pathology.
Area of Science:
- Immunology
- Microbiology
- Gastroenterology
Background:
- The inflammasome is a cytosolic protein complex critical for inflammation and cell death.
- It senses microbial and endogenous signals, activating caspases for cytokine maturation (IL-1β, IL-18) or pyroptosis.
- Dysfunctional inflammasomes are implicated in autoimmune diseases and cancer.
Purpose of the Study:
- To review current understanding of the inflammasome's role in the gastrointestinal tract.
- To explore the reciprocal interactions between the gut microbiota and inflammasome pathways.
- To discuss the implications for host homeostasis and disease pathogenesis.
Main Methods:
- Literature review of existing research on inflammasome and gut microbiota interactions.
- Synthesis of current concepts and recent findings.
- Analysis of physiological and pathophysiological consequences.
Main Results:
- Gut microbiota influences inflammasome expression and activation, impacting gut homeostasis and disease.
- Inflammasome activation may modulate gut microbiota composition, affecting disease progression.
- A complex, reciprocal relationship exists between inflammasomes and commensal microorganisms.
Conclusions:
- The interplay between inflammasomes and gut microbiota is crucial for gastrointestinal health and disease.
- Understanding this interaction offers insights into host-microbe dynamics and therapeutic strategies.
- Further research is needed to clarify the precise mechanisms and clinical implications.
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