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Chen P, Li X. NLRP3 inflammasome in atherosclerosis: Mechanisms and targeted therapies. Front Pharmacol 2024; 15:1430236. [PMID: 39144618 PMCID: PMC11322363 DOI: 10.3389/fphar.2024.1430236] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/09/2024] [Accepted: 07/17/2024] [Indexed: 08/16/2024] Open
Abstract
Atherosclerosis (AS) is the primary pathology behind various cardiovascular diseases and the leading cause of death and disability globally. Recent evidence suggests that AS is a chronic vascular inflammatory disease caused by multiple factors. In this context, the NLRP3 inflammasome, acting as a signal transducer of the immune system, plays a critical role in the onset and progression of AS. The NLRP3 inflammasome is involved in endothelial injury, foam cell formation, and pyroptosis in AS. Therefore, targeting the NLRP3 inflammasome offers a new treatment strategy for AS. This review highlights the latest insights into AS pathogenesis and the pharmacological therapies targeting the NLRP3 inflammasome, focusing on optimal targets for small molecule inhibitors. These insights are valuable for rational drug design and the pharmacological assessment of new targeted NLRP3 inflammasome inhibitors in treating AS.
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Affiliation(s)
- Pengfei Chen
- Marine College, Shandong University, Weihai, China
| | - Xia Li
- Marine College, Shandong University, Weihai, China
- Shandong Kelun Pharmaceutical Co, Ltd., Binzhou, China
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Herring M, Persson A, Potter R, Karlsson R, Särndahl E, Ejdebäck M. Exposing kinetic disparities between inflammasome readouts using time-resolved analysis. Heliyon 2024; 10:e32023. [PMID: 38867997 PMCID: PMC11168392 DOI: 10.1016/j.heliyon.2024.e32023] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/08/2024] [Revised: 05/23/2024] [Accepted: 05/27/2024] [Indexed: 06/14/2024] Open
Abstract
The NLRP3 inflammasome is an intracellular multiprotein complex described to be involved in both an effective host response to infectious agents and various diseases. Investigation into the NLRP3 inflammasome has been extensive in the past two decades, and often revolves around the analysis of a few specific readouts, including ASC-speck formation, caspase-1 cleavage or activation, and cleavage and release of IL-1β and/or IL-18. Quantification of these readouts is commonly undertaken as an endpoint analysis, where the presence of each positive outcome is assessed independently of the others. In this study, we apply time-resolved analysis of a human macrophage model (differentiated THP-1-ASC-GFP cells) to commonly accessible methods. This approach yields the additional quantifiable metrics time-resolved absolute change and acceleration, allowing comparisons between readouts. Using this methodological approach, we reveal (potential) discrepancies between inflammasome-related readouts that otherwise might go undiscovered. The study highlights the importance of time-resolved data in general and may be further extended as well as incorporated into other areas of research.
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Affiliation(s)
- Matthew Herring
- School of Medical Sciences, Faculty of Medicine and Health, Örebro University, Örebro, Sweden
- Inflammatory Response and Infection Susceptibility Centre (iRiSC), Örebro University, Örebro, Sweden
- School of Bioscience, Systems Biology Research Centre, University of Skövde, Skövde, Sweden
| | - Alexander Persson
- School of Medical Sciences, Faculty of Medicine and Health, Örebro University, Örebro, Sweden
- Inflammatory Response and Infection Susceptibility Centre (iRiSC), Örebro University, Örebro, Sweden
| | - Ryan Potter
- School of Bioscience, Systems Biology Research Centre, University of Skövde, Skövde, Sweden
- Department of Clinical Neuroscience, Institute of Neuroscience and Physiology, Sahlgrenska Academy, Göteborg University, Göteborg, Sweden
| | - Roger Karlsson
- Nanoxis Consulting AB, Göteborg, Sweden
- Department of Infectious Diseases, Institute of Biomedicine, Sahlgrenska Academy, Göteborg University, Göteborg, Sweden
- Department of Clinical Microbiology, Sahlgrenska University Hospital, Region Västra Götaland, Göteborg, Sweden
| | - Eva Särndahl
- School of Medical Sciences, Faculty of Medicine and Health, Örebro University, Örebro, Sweden
- Inflammatory Response and Infection Susceptibility Centre (iRiSC), Örebro University, Örebro, Sweden
| | - Mikael Ejdebäck
- School of Bioscience, Systems Biology Research Centre, University of Skövde, Skövde, Sweden
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Ren W, Sun Y, Zhao L, Shi X. NLRP3 inflammasome and its role in autoimmune diseases: A promising therapeutic target. Biomed Pharmacother 2024; 175:116679. [PMID: 38701567 DOI: 10.1016/j.biopha.2024.116679] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/16/2024] [Revised: 04/19/2024] [Accepted: 04/29/2024] [Indexed: 05/05/2024] Open
Abstract
The NOD-like receptor protein 3 (NLRP3) inflammasome is a protein complex that regulates innate immune responses by activating caspase-1 and the inflammatory cytokines IL-1β and IL-18. Numerous studies have highlighted its crucial role in the pathogenesis and development of inflammatory bowel disease, rheumatoid arthritis, systemic lupus erythematosus, autoimmune thyroid diseases, and other autoimmune diseases. Therefore, investigating the underlying mechanisms of NLRP3 in disease and targeted drug therapies holds clinical significance. This review summarizes the structure, assembly, and activation mechanisms of the NLRP3 inflammasome, focusing on its role and involvement in various autoimmune diseases. This review also identifies studies where the involvement of the NLRP3 inflammasome in the disease mechanism within the same disease appears contradictory, as well as differences in NLRP3-related gene polymorphisms among different ethnic groups. Additionally, the latest therapeutic advances in targeting the NLRP3 inflammasome for autoimmune diseases are outlined, and novel clinical perspectives are discussed. Conclusively, this review provides a consolidated source of information on the NLRP3 inflammasome and may guide future research efforts that have the potential to positively impact patient outcomes.
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Affiliation(s)
- Wenxuan Ren
- Department of Endocrinology, Shengjing Hospital of China Medical University, Shenyang, Liaoning 110001, China
| | - Ying Sun
- Department of Endocrinology, Shengjing Hospital of China Medical University, Shenyang, Liaoning 110001, China
| | - Lei Zhao
- Department of Laboratory Medicine, The First Hospital of China Medical University, Shenyang 110001, Liaoning, China
| | - Xiaoguang Shi
- Department of Endocrinology, Shengjing Hospital of China Medical University, Shenyang, Liaoning 110001, China.
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Bu J, Mahan Y, Zhang S, Wu X, Zhang X, Zhou L, Zhang Y. Acacetin inhibits inflammation by blocking MAPK/NF-κB pathways and NLRP3 inflammasome activation. Front Pharmacol 2024; 15:1286546. [PMID: 38389927 PMCID: PMC10883387 DOI: 10.3389/fphar.2024.1286546] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/31/2023] [Accepted: 01/26/2024] [Indexed: 02/24/2024] Open
Abstract
Objective: Our preliminary research indicates that acacetin modulates the nucleotide-binding oligomerization domain (NOD)-like receptor pyrin domain containing 3 (NLRP3) inflammasome, providing protection against Alzheimer's Disease (AD) and cerebral ischemic reperfusion injury. The mechanisms of acacetin to inhibit the activation of the NLRP3 inflammasome remain fully elucidated. This study aims to investigate the effects and potential mechanisms of acacetin on various agonists induced NLRP3 inflammasome activation. Methods: A model for the NLRP3 inflammasome activation was established in mouse bone marrow-derived macrophages (BMDMs) using Monosodium Urate (MSU), Nigericin, Adenosine Triphosphate (ATP), and Pam3CSK4, separately. Western blot analysis (WB) was employed to detect Pro-caspase-1, Pro-Interleukin-1β (Pro-IL-1β) in cell lysates, and caspase-1, IL-1β in supernatants. Enzyme-Linked Immunosorbent Assay (ELISA) was used to measured the release of IL-1β, IL-18, and Tumor Necrosis Factor-alpha (TNF-α) in cell supernatants to assess the impact of acacetin on NLRP3 inflammasome activation. The lactate dehydrogenase (LDH) release was also assessed. The Nuclear Factor Kappa B (NF-κB) and Mitogen-Activated Protein Kinase (MAPK) signaling pathways related proteins were evaluated by WB, and NF-κB nuclear translocation was observed via laser scanning confocal microscopy (LSCM). Disuccinimidyl Suberate (DSS) cross-linking was employed to detect oligomerization of Apoptosis-associated Speck-like protein containing a Caspase Recruitment Domain (ASC), and LSCM was also used to observe Reactive Oxygen Species (ROS) production. Inductively Coupled Plasma (ICP) and N-(6-methoxyquinolyl) acetoethyl ester (MQAE) assays were utilized to determined the effects of acacetin on the efflux of potassium (K+) and chloride (Cl-) ions. Results: Acacetin inhibited NLRP3 inflammasome activation induced by various agonists, reducing the release of TNF-α, IL-1β, IL-18, and LDH. It suppressed the expression of Lipopolysaccharides (LPS)-activated Phosphorylated ERK (p-ERK), p-JNK, and p-p38, inhibited NF-κB p65 phosphorylation and nuclear translocation. Acacetin also reduced ROS production and inhibited ASC aggregation, thus suppressing NLRP3 inflammasome activation. Notably, acacetin did not affect K+ and Cl-ions efflux during the activation process. Conclusion: Acacetin shows inhibitory effects on both the priming and assembly processes of the NLRP3 inflammasome, positioning it as a promising new candidate for the treatment of NLRP3 inflammasome-related diseases.
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Affiliation(s)
- Juan Bu
- Medical and Translational Research Center, People's Hospital of Xinjiang Uygur Autonomous Region, Urumqi, China
| | - Yeledan Mahan
- Medical and Translational Research Center, People's Hospital of Xinjiang Uygur Autonomous Region, Urumqi, China
| | - Shengnan Zhang
- Medical and Translational Research Center, People's Hospital of Xinjiang Uygur Autonomous Region, Urumqi, China
| | - Xuanxia Wu
- Medical and Translational Research Center, People's Hospital of Xinjiang Uygur Autonomous Region, Urumqi, China
| | - Xiaoling Zhang
- Medical and Translational Research Center, People's Hospital of Xinjiang Uygur Autonomous Region, Urumqi, China
| | - Ling Zhou
- Medical and Translational Research Center, People's Hospital of Xinjiang Uygur Autonomous Region, Urumqi, China
| | - Yanmin Zhang
- Scientific Research and Education Center, People's Hospital of Xinjiang Uygur Autonomous Region, Urumqi, China
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Chu FX, Wang X, Li B, Xu LL, Di B. The NLRP3 inflammasome: a vital player in inflammation and mediating the anti-inflammatory effect of CBD. Inflamm Res 2024; 73:227-242. [PMID: 38191853 DOI: 10.1007/s00011-023-01831-y] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/05/2023] [Revised: 11/20/2023] [Accepted: 11/30/2023] [Indexed: 01/10/2024] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND The NLRP3 inflammasome is a vital player in the emergence of inflammation. The priming and activation of the NLRP3 inflammasome is a major trigger for inflammation which is a defense response against adverse stimuli. However, the excessive activation of the NLRP3 inflammasome can lead to the development of various inflammatory diseases. Cannabidiol, as the second-most abundant component in cannabis, has a variety of pharmacological properties, particularly anti-inflammation. Unlike tetrahydrocannabinol, cannabidiol has a lower affinity for cannabinoid receptors, which may be the reason why it is not psychoactive. Notably, the mechanism by which cannabidiol exerts its anti-inflammatory effect is still unclear. METHODS We have performed a literature review based on published original and review articles encompassing the NLRP3 inflammasome and cannabidiol in inflammation from central databases, including PubMed and Web of Science. RESULTS AND CONCLUSIONS In this review, we first summarize the composition and activation process of the NLRP3 inflammasome. Then, we list possible molecular mechanisms of action of cannabidiol. Next, we explain the role of the NLRP3 inflammasome and the anti-inflammatory effect of cannabidiol in inflammatory disorders. Finally, we emphasize the capacity of cannabidiol to suppress inflammation by blocking the NLRP3 signaling pathway, which indicates that cannabidiol is a quite promising anti-inflammatory compound.
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Affiliation(s)
- Feng-Xin Chu
- Office of China National Narcotics Control Commission, China Pharmaceutical University Joint Laboratory on Key Technologies of Narcotics Control, Nanjing, 210009, China
- Jiangsu Key Laboratory of Drug Design and Optimization, China Pharmaceutical University, Nanjing, 210009, China
| | - Xiao Wang
- Office of China National Narcotics Control Commission, China Pharmaceutical University Joint Laboratory on Key Technologies of Narcotics Control, Nanjing, 210009, China
- Jiangsu Key Laboratory of Drug Design and Optimization, China Pharmaceutical University, Nanjing, 210009, China
| | - Bo Li
- Office of China National Narcotics Control Commission, China Pharmaceutical University Joint Laboratory on Key Technologies of Narcotics Control, Nanjing, 210009, China.
- Jiangsu Key Laboratory of Drug Design and Optimization, China Pharmaceutical University, Nanjing, 210009, China.
| | - Li-Li Xu
- Office of China National Narcotics Control Commission, China Pharmaceutical University Joint Laboratory on Key Technologies of Narcotics Control, Nanjing, 210009, China.
- Jiangsu Key Laboratory of Drug Design and Optimization, China Pharmaceutical University, Nanjing, 210009, China.
| | - Bin Di
- Office of China National Narcotics Control Commission, China Pharmaceutical University Joint Laboratory on Key Technologies of Narcotics Control, Nanjing, 210009, China.
- Jiangsu Key Laboratory of Drug Design and Optimization, China Pharmaceutical University, Nanjing, 210009, China.
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Fang ZE, Wang Y, Bian S, Qin S, Zhao H, Wen J, Liu T, Ren L, Li Q, Shi W, Zhao J, Yang H, Peng R, Wang Q, Bai Z, Xu G. Helenine blocks NLRP3 activation by disrupting the NEK7-NLRP3 interaction and ameliorates inflammatory diseases. PHYTOMEDICINE : INTERNATIONAL JOURNAL OF PHYTOTHERAPY AND PHYTOPHARMACOLOGY 2024; 122:155159. [PMID: 37931457 DOI: 10.1016/j.phymed.2023.155159] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/10/2023] [Revised: 09/19/2023] [Accepted: 10/19/2023] [Indexed: 11/08/2023]
Abstract
BACKGROUND The involvement of NLRP3 inflammasome is associated with the progress of numerous inflammatory conditions. However, there is currently no single compound used in the clinic. Search for the inhibitor of NLRP3 inflammasome from natural products is an attractive direction. The compound Helenin (Hel), which is obtained from Inula helenium L., is reported to have anti-inflammatory activities. However, the underlying molecular mechanisms and specific inflammatory signal pathway remains not well understood. PURPOSE This research aims to determine the impacts of Hel on NLRP3 inflammasome and the underlying mechanism involved, meanwhile also assessing its potential as a therapeutic intervention for inflammatory diseases mediated by NLRP3 overactivation. METHODS Pretreated with Hel in BMDMs (bone marrow-derived macrophages), then stimulated with NLRP3 triggers and measured the expression of active caspase-1 and interleukin 1β (IL-1β). Determination of intracellular K+ and Ca2+, ASC oligomerization and mitochondrial reactive oxygen species (mtROS) production were employed to explore the preliminary mechanism of Hel on NLRP3 activation. Subsequently, Co-immunoprecipitation was used to investigate protein-protein interaction and reduction of covalent bonds of Hel was to explore the binding mode between drugs and proteins. Finally, in vivo experiments, we utilized mouse lethal sepsis and monosodium urate(MSU)-induced peritonitis models to evaluate the effectiveness of Hel in inhibiting inflammatory diseases. RESULTS The findings revealed that Hel exhibited a specific blocking effect on NLRP3, with no impact on the assembly of NLRC4 and AIM2 inflammasome. Through the analysis of mechanisms targeting key upstream factors in NLRP3 activation, Hel inhibited NLRP3-dependent ASC oligomerization but did not regulating inflammasome priming, K+ efflux, Ca2+ influx, or mitochondrial damage and mtROS. Moreover, Hel effectively interrupted the binding of NEK7-NLRP3, which was dependent on the active double C=C of the α,β-unsaturated carbonyl units in Hel. In mouse models, Hel showed promising therapeutic effects in the treatment of NLRP3 overactivation-associated diseases, including the lethal sepsis and acute systemic inflammation induced by lipopolysaccharide (LPS) and peritonitis induced by MSU. CONCLUSION Our results indicate that Hel dependent α,β-unsaturated carbonyl units interrupt the formation of the NLRP3-NEK7 interaction, thereby blocks the inflammasome assemblage and activation. These fundings would suggest that Hel is a promising inhibitor for treating diseases driven by NLRP3 overactivation.
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Affiliation(s)
- Zhi-E Fang
- Department of Pharmacy, Chongqing Hospital of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Chongqing 400021, China; Senior Department of Hepatology, The Fifth Medical Center of PLA General Hospital, Beijing 100039, China
| | - Yan Wang
- Senior Department of Hepatology, The Fifth Medical Center of PLA General Hospital, Beijing 100039, China; School of Chinese Materia Medica, Beijing University of Chinese Medicine, Beijing 100105, China
| | - Shuyi Bian
- School of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Capital Medical University, Beijing 100069, China
| | - Shuanglin Qin
- Senior Department of Hepatology, The Fifth Medical Center of PLA General Hospital, Beijing 100039, China; School of Pharmacy, Xianning Medical College, Hubei University of Science and Technology, Xianning 437100, China
| | - Huanying Zhao
- Core Facilities Center, Capital Medical University, Beijing, 100069, China
| | - Jincai Wen
- Senior Department of Hepatology, The Fifth Medical Center of PLA General Hospital, Beijing 100039, China
| | - Tingting Liu
- Senior Department of Hepatology, The Fifth Medical Center of PLA General Hospital, Beijing 100039, China
| | - Lutong Ren
- Senior Department of Hepatology, The Fifth Medical Center of PLA General Hospital, Beijing 100039, China
| | - Qiang Li
- Senior Department of Hepatology, The Fifth Medical Center of PLA General Hospital, Beijing 100039, China
| | - Wei Shi
- Senior Department of Hepatology, The Fifth Medical Center of PLA General Hospital, Beijing 100039, China
| | - Jia Zhao
- Senior Department of Hepatology, The Fifth Medical Center of PLA General Hospital, Beijing 100039, China
| | - Huijie Yang
- Senior Department of Hepatology, The Fifth Medical Center of PLA General Hospital, Beijing 100039, China
| | - Rui Peng
- School of Pharmacy, Xianning Medical College, Hubei University of Science and Technology, Xianning 437100, China
| | - Qin Wang
- Department of Pharmacy, Chongqing Hospital of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Chongqing 400021, China.
| | - Zhaofang Bai
- Senior Department of Hepatology, The Fifth Medical Center of PLA General Hospital, Beijing 100039, China.
| | - Guang Xu
- School of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Capital Medical University, Beijing 100069, China.
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