New article on NLRP3 inflammasome variants and chronic inflammation
NLRP3 Inflammasome, Genetics, and Chronic Inflammation
Have you ever wondered what causes the body to create excess inflammation? At the root of the over-activation of inflammation for some people is NLRP3 inflammasome. This inflammasome is like an amplifier that cranks up the inflammatory response.
We will dig into the biology of the NLRP3 response as well as genetic variants that make people more susceptible to inflammatory chronic diseases.
What is NLRP3 and how is the inflammatory response system activated?
NRLP3 (NOD-like receptor, pyrin domain-containing 3 ) is a lynchpin for the activation of the inflammasome, which is the part of the immune system responsible for activating the body's inflammatory response system.
Essentially, NLRP3 is a danger-sensing protein.
Inflammasomes are immune complexes that amplify the immune system response. The NLRP3 inflammasome is activated by:[ref]
Pathogens (e.g. bacterial or viral infection)
DNA replication errors in a cell (e.g. mutation that could cause cancer)
Cellular damage, such as lysosomes breaking open, and mitochondrial dysfunction
Fighting off cancer and destroying bad microbes is really important! The inflammasome calls up the troops, amplifying the immune system response so that it is more powerful.
~ Balance is key ~
Excessive NLRP3 inflammasome activation causes chronic inflammation and increases susceptibility to a whole host of chronic diseases:
IBD
rheumatoid arthritis
cardiovascular disease
Alzheimer's disease
type 2 diabetes
gout
eye diseases and dry eyes[ref]