Ion homeostasis and ion channels in NLRP3 inflammasome activation and regulation

The NLRP3 inflammasome is a multiprotein platform for the activation of caspase-1, which in turn drives inflammation through the activation of proinflammatory cytokines, such as IL-1β. In contrast to the majority of pattern recognition receptors, NLRP3 inflammasome can be triggered by a plethora of pathogen-derived or endogenous activators, which perturb intracellular ion homeostasis. Here, we discuss how the complex interplay of ion fluxes contributes to canonical, non-canonical, and alternative NLRP3 activation pathways that induce IL-1β secretion from immune cells. Particular attention is given to the concrete evidence for the involvement of ion channels, which may present viable therapeutic targets for the modulation of NLRP3 inflammasome activation.