The role of NOD-like receptor pyrin domain containing 3 inflammasome in the course of acute lung injury

Abstract

Nucleotide binding oligomerization domain (NOD)-like receptor pyrin domain containing 3 (NLRP3) inflammasome plays a vital role in innate immune responses. Activation of NLRP3 inflammasomes promotes caspase-1-mediated secretion of proinflammatory cytokines IL-1β and IL-18 and pyroptosis. Many researches demonstrate that NLRP3 inflammasome plays an important role in acute lung injury (ALI). This article reviews NLRP3 inflammasome and underlying mechanism in the onset of ALI, developing to acute respiratory distress syndrome (ARDS) and pulmonary fibrosis. Key words: Nucleotide binding oligomerization domain-like receptor pyrin domain containing 3 inflammasome; Acute lung injury; Acute respiratory distress syndrome; Pulmonary fibrosis