Inflammasome signaling and regulation of interleukin-1 family cytokines.

Amy Chan and Kate Schroder from the Inflammasome Lab provided an updated view of inflammasome signaling; mechanisms underpinning IL-1α,IL-1β, IL-18, and IL-37maturation and release; and the functions of these cytokines in protective and pathological inflammation in the Journal of Experimental Medicine this month.

Chan AH, Schroder K. (2020).
Inflammasome signaling and regulation of interleukin-1 family cytokines. Journal of Experimental Medicine. 2020 Jan 6;217(1). pii: e20190314. doi: 10.1084/jem.20190314. PubMed PMID: 31611248. Pubmed

Abstract
Specific IL-1 family cytokines are expressed by cells as cytosolic pro-forms that require cleavage for their activity and cellular release. IL-1β, IL-18, and IL-37 maturation and secretion is governed by inflammatory caspases within signaling platforms called inflammasomes. By inducing pyroptosis, inflammasomes can also drive the release of the alarmin IL-1α. Recent advances have transformed our mechanistic understanding of inflammasome signaling, cell death decisions, and cytokine activation and secretion. Here, we provide an updated view of inflammasome signaling; mechanisms underpinning IL-1α, IL-1β, IL-18, and IL-37 maturation and release; and the functions of these cytokines in protective and pathological inflammation.