Diverse Pathways of Engineered Nanoparticle-Induced NLRP3 Inflammasome Activation

Abstract

With the rapid development of engineered nanomaterials (ENMs) in biomedical applications, their biocompatibility and cytotoxicity need to be evaluated properly. Recently, it has been demonstrated that inflammasome activation may be a vital contributing factor for the development of biological responses induced by ENMs. Among the inflammasome family, NLRP3 inflammasome has received the most attention because it directly interacts with ENMs to cause the inflammatory effects. However, the pathways that link ENMs to NLRP3 inflammasome have not been thoroughly summarized. Thus, we reviewed recent findings on the role of major ENMs properties in modulating NLRP3 inflammasome activation, both in vitro and in vivo, to provide a better understanding of the underlying mechanisms. In addition, the interactions between ENMs and NLRP3 inflammasome activation are summarized, which may advance our understanding of safer designs of nanomaterials and ENM-induced adverse health effects.

Emerging Cationic Nanovaccines

“…NPs positive charge can induce the activation of the NALP3 inflammasome, a main component of the innate immune system that regulates the production of pro-inflammatory cytokines like IL-1β. This activation can occur via the NPs' interaction with cellular components that trigger the inflammasome pathway [58,85,86]. Moreover, inherent properties of cationic NPs can lead to the rupture of cell membranes [20,83,87,88].…”