Cardiolipin and the Nlrp3 inflammasome

Cell Metab. 2013 Nov 5;18(5):610-2. doi: 10.1016/j.cmet.2013.10.013.

Abstract

The Nlrp3 inflammasome is a key controller of the proinflammatory cytokine IL-1β. Iyer and colleagues (2013) demonstrate that Nlrp3 activators promote an interaction between cardiolipin in mitochondria and Nlrp3. Cardiolipin is thus a hydrophobic danger signal that, upon translocation to the outer mitochondrial membrane, activates Nlrp3, promoting inflammation.

Publication types

  • Comment

MeSH terms

  • Animals
  • Cardiolipins / metabolism*
  • Carrier Proteins / metabolism*
  • Humans
  • Inflammasomes / metabolism*
  • Mitochondria / metabolism*

Substances

  • Cardiolipins
  • Carrier Proteins
  • Inflammasomes