Cross-regulation between the IL-1β/IL-18 processing inflammasome and other inflammatory cytokines

The inflammasome-forming NLRs are well characterized members of a protein complex mediating the activation of caspase-1 and the cleavage of pro-IL-1β and pro-IL-18 into their active, secreted forms. New data suggest that components of the inflammasome cascade may have roles in influencing inflammasome-independent pathways of cytokine production. These influences on other immune cytokine pathways are complemented by data suggesting that non-inflammasome cytokines can influence the activation of the inflammasome, either directly or by influencing transcription of inflammasome components. The crosstalk between these cytokine cascades may lead to increased abilities for the cell to respond to diverse pathogen threats.

► The IL-1β/IL-18-processing inflammasome is composed of an NLR sensor, Aim2 or RIG-I; the adaptor ASC/Pycard; and caspase-1.
► Many inflammasome components have roles in the transcriptional induction of non-inflammasome cytokines.
► Caspase-1 also is proposed to have a role in the processing of growth factors through the unconventional secretory pathway.
► Other cytokines may influence the inflammasome transcriptionally or via direct interaction with inflammasome components.
► This cross-regulation may lead to increased abilities for the cell to respond appropriately to diverse pathogen threats.