Aging and the Inflammasomes

Exp Suppl. 2018:108:303-320. doi: 10.1007/978-3-319-89390-7_13.

Abstract

The inflammasomes are innate immune system sensors that control the activation of caspase-1 and induce inflammation in response to infectious microbes and molecules originating from host proteins, leading to the release of pro-inflammatory cytokines, Il1b and IL18, and a particular inflammatory type of cell death termed pyroptosis. It is broadly considered that chronic inflammation may be a common link in age-related diseases, aging being the greatest risk factor for the development of chronic diseases. In this sense, we discuss the role of inflammasomes in non-infectious inflammation and their interest in aging and age-related diseases.

Keywords: Age-related diseases; Aging; Chronic inflammatory diseases; Inflammasomes.

MeSH terms

  • Aging / immunology*
  • Caspase 1
  • Humans
  • Inflammasomes*
  • Inflammation / immunology*
  • Interleukin-18 / immunology
  • Interleukin-1beta / immunology
  • Pyroptosis

Substances

  • IL1B protein, human
  • Inflammasomes
  • Interleukin-18
  • Interleukin-1beta
  • Caspase 1