Related Experiment Video
Updated: Jun 28, 2026

Activation and Measurement of NLRP3 Inflammasome Activity Using IL-1β in Human Monocyte-derived Dendritic Cells
Published on: May 22, 2014
Nrf2 promotes NLRP3 inflammasome assembly and activation by Klf9-TXNIP axis
You Zhou1,2, Hui You3, Xin-Yu Xia4
1Department of Medical Laboratory, Suining Central Hospital, Suining, China. zhouy20@lzu.edu.cn.
None:
NLRP3 inflammasome activation shows a crucial role in the innate immune response that triggers inflammation. Activation is controlled by two sequential steps: a priming step, followed by an assembly step. Nrf2 has been shown to promote NLRP3 inflammasome activation; however, the underlying mechanisms remain elusive. This study identifies Nrf2 as an encourager of NLRP3 inflammasome activation. We show that Nrf2 inhibition suppresses NLRP3 inflammasome activation in macrophages, including THP-1 cells and BMDMs. In addition, Nrf2 facilitates NLRP3 inflammasome assembly. Mechanically, Nrf2 increases Klf9 expression by binding to the Klf9 promoter. Klf9 stabilizes TXNIP by deubiquitination, thereby enhancing the TXNIP-NLRP3 interaction, which is required for NLRP3 inflammasome assembly and full activation. Finally, Nrf2 deficiency exerts a protective effect and alleviates NLRP3 inflammasome activation in mouse models of DSS-induced colitis and MSU crystals-induced acute gouty arthritis. Our study reveals a novel regulatory mechanism of NLRP3 inflammasome by Nrf2 and indicates Nrf2 may be a promising target for treating NLRP3 inflammasome-driven diseases.
Related Concept Videos
NF-κB-dependent Signaling Pathway
NF-κB-dependent Signaling Mechanism
The heterodimer of NF-κB...
NF-kB-dependent Signaling Pathway
NF-κB-dependent Signaling Mechanism
The heterodimer of NF-κB...
Regulation of the Unfolded Protein Response
Regulation of Nuclear Protein Sorting
Co-activators and Co-repressors
The Unfolded Protein Response

