Bacterial Countermeasures Against Inflammasomes

Inflammasomes are vital components of the innate immune system that sense invading pathogens and other danger signals. Upon activation, these cytosolic platforms induce pyroptotic cell death and IL-1 cytokine production. Inflammasome responses provide protection against several bacteria that cause serious diseases. Consequently, bacterial pathogens have evolved strategies to counteract inflammasome responses and establish colonization of the host. This review highlights the sophisticated mechanisms by which bacterial pathogens circumvent inflammasome-mediated antibacterial responses. An in-depth understanding of these inhibitory tactics will pave the way to the development of targeted therapeutic approaches.