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Updated: Aug 23, 2025

Detection of Inflammasome Activation and Pyroptotic Cell Death in Murine Bone Marrow-derived Macrophages
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[NLRC4 plays a regulatory role in F. nucleatum-induced pyroptosis in macrophages]

W Jiang1, Z Deng1, W Zhao1

  • 1Department of Stomatology, Nanfang Hospital, Southern Medical University, Guangzhou 510515, China.

Nan Fang Yi Ke Da Xue Xue Bao = Journal of Southern Medical University
|November 4, 2022
PubMed
Abstract

Insights

Fusobacterium nucleatum infection triggers pyroptosis in macrophages via the NLRC4 inflammasome. This pathway activates caspase-1 and GSDMD, leading to cell death and inflammation, offering a therapeutic target.

Area of Science:

  • Immunology and Microbiology
  • Cellular and Molecular Biology

Context:

  • Investigating the host-pathogen interactions of *Fusobacterium nucleatum* (F. nucleatum), a bacterium implicated in various inflammatory conditions.
  • Understanding the mechanisms of programmed cell death, specifically pyroptosis, in macrophages during bacterial infection.

Purpose:

  • To elucidate the molecular mechanisms by which *F. nucleatum* induces pyroptosis in macrophages.
  • To identify the role of inflammasomes, particularly NLRC4, in regulating this inflammatory cell death pathway.

Summary:

  • *F. nucleatum* infection induces pyroptosis and cytolysis in RAW264.7 macrophages, characterized by cell swelling and lysis.
  • Infection activates the caspase-1/GSDMD pathway and upregulates IL-1β in a dose- and time-dependent manner.
  • NLRC4 inflammasome activation is significantly increased, and its silencing via siRNA inhibits caspase-1/GSDMD activation, reducing cell death and IL-1β release.

Impact:

  • Establishes the NLRC4 inflammasome as the key driver of *F. nucleatum*-induced pyroptosis and inflammatory signaling.
  • Highlights the caspase-1/GSDMD pathway as central to this cellular response.
  • Suggests the NLRC4 inflammasome as a potential therapeutic target for managing *F. nucleatum* infections.
Keywords:
Fusobacterium nucleatumNLRC4 inflammasomemacrophagespyroptosis

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