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.
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