NLRP3 inflammasome: an important therapeutic target for SARS-CoV-2 infection
10.3760/cma.j.cn112309-20211013-00341
- VernacularTitle:NLRP3炎症小体：SARS-CoV-2治疗的重要靶点
- Author:
Guorui LI
1
;
Ning LI
;
Qing GENG
Author Information
1. 武汉大学人民医院胸外科，武汉 430060
- Keywords:
NLRP3 inflammasome;
SARS-CoV-2;
Cytokine storm;
Targeted inhibition
- From:
Chinese Journal of Microbiology and Immunology
2022;42(3):171-177
- CountryChina
- Language:Chinese
-
Abstract:
SARS-CoV-2, the pathogen of the COVID-19 pandemic, causes serious damage to human health and social stability. In severe COVID-19 cases, the infection triggers cytokine storm, resulting in multi-organ excessive inflammatory responses and even failure, which eventually leads to death. Recent studies have shown the activation of nucleotide-binding oligomerization domain-like receptor containing pyrin domain 3 (NLRP3) inflammasome plays an essential role in the pathogenesis of COVID-19. SARS-CoV-2 can activate NLRP3 inflammasome through several pathways, thereby inducing the release of a large number of pro-inflammatory cytokines. This article reviews the activation of NLRP3 inflammasome caused by SARS-CoV-2 infection and the possible molecular mechanisms, and summarizes the progress in targeted inhibition of NLRP3 inflammation, aiming to provide a new strategy for the treatment of SARS-CoV-2 infection.
