The NOD-, LRR-, and Pyrin domain-containing protein 3 (NLRP3) inflammasome plays key roles in regulating inflammation. Numerous studies show that the abnormal activation of NLRP3 associates with the initiation and progression of various diseases. Hence, the NLRP3 inflammasome may be a promising therapeutic target for these diseases. Octyl gallate (OG) is a small molecule with antioxidant, antimicrobial, antifungal, and anti-inflammatory activities; however, the mechanism underlying its anti-inflammatory activity is still unclear. Here, we developed a screening system for NLRP3-inflammasome inhibitors. A total of 3287 small molecules were screened for inhibitors of nigericin-induced NLRP3 oligomerization. OG was identified as a novel inhibitor. We show that OG directly targets the LRR domain of NLRP3 and thereby blocks the inflammatory cascade of the NLRP3 inflammasome. This contrasts with the mode-of-action of other direct NLRP3 inhibitors, which all bind to the NACHT domain of NLRP3. Interestingly, OG also inhibits the priming step by downregulating the Raf-MEK1/2-ERK1/2 axis. Thus, OG inhibits the NLRP3 inflammasome by two distinct mechanisms. Importantly, OG injection ameliorated the inflammation in mouse models of foot gout and sepsis. Our study identifies OG as a potential therapeutic agent for NLRP3-associated diseases.
Keywords: NLRP3; gout; inflammasome; inflammation; octyl gallate; sepsis.
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