NLRP3 inflammasome regulatory network in head and neck squamous cell carcinoma tumor microenvironments and targeted therapeutic strategies
10.12354/j.issn.1000-8179.2025.20250785
- VernacularTitle:NLRP3炎症小体在头颈鳞癌肿瘤微环境中的调控网络及靶向治疗策略
- Author:
Wang BIN
1
;
An WEI
;
Li ZHILIN
Author Information
1. 山西省肿瘤医院头颈外科,中国医学科学院肿瘤医院山西医院,山西医科大学附属肿瘤医院(太原市 030013)
- Publication Type:Journal Article
- Keywords:
head and neck squamous cell carcinoma(HNSCC);
NLRP3 inflammasome;
tumor microenvironment(TME);
targeted ther-apy
- From:
Chinese Journal of Clinical Oncology
2025;52(15):791-795
- CountryChina
- Language:Chinese
-
Abstract:
Head and neck squamous cell carcinoma(HNSCC)progression is closely associated with chronic inflammation mediated by the NLRP3 inflammasome within the tumor microenvironment(TME).The NLRP3 inflammasome integrates pathogen-associated and stress-in-duced signals to dynamically regulate IL-1β/IL-18 secretion and pyroptosis.Through its action,NLRP3 inflammasome exhibits a functional du-ality,exerting tumor-suppressive effects by activating the Caspase-1/GSDMD pathway to induce tumor cell pyroptosis while also driving ma-lignant progression through remodeling of immunosuppressive TMEs.This remodeling includes driving M2-type macrophage polarization and suppressing NETs-associated pyroptosis,thereby promoting cancer stem cell maintenance and contributing to chemotherapy resistance.Preclinical studies have confirmed that NLRP3-targeted strategies,including small-molecule inhibitors(MCC950 and BAY11-7082),Bacopa monnieri,and IL-1 signaling biologics,significantly suppress tumor growth and metastasis in HNSCC and other cancers.In this review,we systematically decipher the NLRP3 regulatory network,evaluate the translational potential of targeted interventions,and offer novel thera-peutic avenues to overcome treatment barriers in HNSCC.
