The role of NLRP3 inflammasome pathway in silicosis-induced pulmonary fibrosis and its prospect as a therapeutic target

Abstract

Inhalation of crystalline silicon dioxide particles can induce silicosis, and the development of silicosis is closely related to the occurrence and development of pulmonary inflammation and pulmonary fibrosis. NOD-like receptor thermal protein domain associated protein 3 (NLRP3) inflammasome has been established as a major proinflammatory receptor for sensing environmental danger signals. Activation of NLRP3 inflammasomes after phagocytosis of silicon dioxide particles by pulmonary macrophages may be an important mechanism to induce oxidative stress and sustained inflammatory response in the lung. This article summarizes the role of NLRP3 inflammasome in the inflammatory response and pulmonary fibrosis in silicosis, and analyzes it as a potential target for silicosis treatment.