The role of absent in melanoma 2 (AIM2) in cardiovascular diseases

Cardiovascular diseases (CVDs) are a group of conditions that significantly affect human health and are among the leading causes of death and disability worldwide. Clinical trials and basic research have demonstrated that inflammation plays a pivotal role in the development of CVDs. The inflammasome is a critical component of the innate immune system, involved in various inflammatory responses to pathogens and tissue damage. Absent in melanoma2(AIM2), which belongs to the PYHIN Family, is a receptor for intracellular DNA pattern recognition. AIM2 inflammasomes are implicated in the onset and progression of CVDs, activated in atherosclerotic plaques, aortic aneurysms, and damaged myocardium. This review summarizes recent advances in AIM2 research in CVDs, exploring its interactions with other inflammasomes and emphasizing its central role in immune and inflammatory responses. Specifically, the review summarizes the progress of AIM2 inhibitors, in order to critically evaluate the translational potential of such concepts into clinical practices.