Activation of the NLRP3 inflammasome by intracellular poly I:C

Several RNA viruses can be detected by the inflammasome, which promotes IL-1β and IL-18 secretion, but the underlying mechanisms of detection remain unclear. Cytosolic dsRNA is a replication intermediate of many RNA viruses. We show here that transfection of the dsRNA analogue poly I:C activates the NLRP3 inflammasome via a pathway requiring endosomal acidification. This detection is independent of the other poly I:C sensors: TLR3 and MDA5. These results suggest a mechanism by which cytosolic dsRNA produced during viral infection could activate the NLRP3 inflammasome.