FADD and caspase-8 mediate priming and activation of the canonical and non-canonical Nlrp3 inflammasomes (INC5P.321)

Abstract

Abstract The Nlrp3 inflammasomes are essential for protection against several infections and autoimmune diseases. Despite the plethora of research focused on understanding the roles of NLRP3 in various disease settings, the mechanisms controlling its activation remain enigmatic. Herein, we show through genetic studies that FADD or caspase-8 is required for both transcriptional priming and posttranslational activation of the canonical and non-canonical Nlrp3 inflammasomes. FADD and caspase-8 were required for caspase-1 activation during canonical Nlrp3 inflammasome activation by both soluble (LPS+ATP) and particulate (Silica) ligands. We showed that FADD and caspase-8 also regulate Nlrp3 expression. Furthermore, both FADD and caspase-8 were critical for caspase-11 and caspase-1 activation during non-canonical Nlrp3 inflammasome activation by C. rodentium and E. coli. These requirements of FADD and caspase-8 for caspase-1 activation were specific to the Nlrp3 inflammasome since the activation of Nlrc4 inflammasome by S. typhimurium was not hampered by deletion of FADD or caspase-8. In vivo LPS challenge or C. rodentium infection of FADD or caspase-8-deficient mice resulted in impaired IL-1β production compared to their littermate controls. Thus, our results demonstrate that FADD and caspase-8 are critical mediators of the canonical and non-canonical Nlrp3 inflammasomes.