The NLRP3 Inflammasome as a Pharmacological Target

J Cardiovasc Pharmacol. 2019 Oct;74(4):285-296. doi: 10.1097/FJC.0000000000000718.

Abstract

NLRP3 is a cytosolic receptor member of the nucleotide-binding oligomerization domain NOD-like receptor family that surveys the intracellular environment for the presence of infection, pathogens, and metabolic alarms. Although the surveillance activity of NLRP3 is required to protect the host from several pathogens, uncontrolled activity can be detrimental to the host. Pharmacological and genetic strategies limiting NLRP3 inflammasome activation have been shown to be beneficial in a wide range of experimental models, from common pathologies such as arthritis, cardiovascular disease, and metabolic syndromes to rare genetic disorders such as cryopyrin-associated periodic syndrome. Thus, compounds that prevent NLRP3 inflammasome activation are of common interest with relevant therapeutic potential. The focus of this review is recent developments in NLRP3 inflammasome inhibitors.

Publication types

  • Review

MeSH terms

  • Animals
  • Anti-Inflammatory Agents / adverse effects
  • Anti-Inflammatory Agents / therapeutic use*
  • Drug Design
  • Humans
  • Inflammasomes / antagonists & inhibitors*
  • Inflammasomes / immunology
  • Inflammasomes / metabolism
  • Inflammation / drug therapy*
  • Inflammation / immunology
  • Inflammation / metabolism
  • Inflammation Mediators / antagonists & inhibitors*
  • Inflammation Mediators / immunology
  • Inflammation Mediators / metabolism
  • Molecular Targeted Therapy
  • NLR Family, Pyrin Domain-Containing 3 Protein / antagonists & inhibitors*
  • NLR Family, Pyrin Domain-Containing 3 Protein / immunology
  • NLR Family, Pyrin Domain-Containing 3 Protein / metabolism
  • Signal Transduction

Substances

  • Anti-Inflammatory Agents
  • Inflammasomes
  • Inflammation Mediators
  • NLR Family, Pyrin Domain-Containing 3 Protein