Inflammasomes of the intestinal epithelium

Sellin, M. E., Maslwowski, K. M., Maloy, K. J. and Hardt, W.-D. (2015) Inflammasomes of the intestinal epithelium. Trends in Immunology, 36(8), pp. 442-450. (doi: 10.1016/j.it.2015.06.002) (PMID:26166583)

Abstract

While the functional importance of inflammasomes in blood-derived cell types is well established, it remains poorly understood how inflammasomes in nonhematopoietic cells contribute to mucosal immunity. Recent studies have revealed functional roles of inflammasomes – particularly NAIP/NLRC4, NLRP6, and noncanonical caspase-4 (caspase-11) – within epithelial cells of the gut in mucosal immune defense, inflammation, and tumorigenesis. Here, we review and discuss these findings in the broader context of tissue compartment-specific mucosal immunity. We propose several models whereby activities of the intestinal epithelial inflammasomes converge on mechanisms to remove compromised epithelial cells, maintain host–microbiota mutualism, and communicate with immune cells of the underlying lamina propria.

• Item Type: Articles
• Additional Information: Work in the W-D.H. laboratory is funded by the Swiss National Science Foundation (310030_153074/1). M.E.S. is supported by a Swedish Research Council fellowship (2012-262), K.M.M. by the RIKEN Program for Junior Scientists, and K.J.M. by the Wellcome Trust (Investigator Award 102972).
• Status: Published
• Refereed: Yes
• Glasgow Author(s) Enlighten ID: Maloy, Professor Kevin
• Authors: Sellin, M. E., Maslwowski, K. M., Maloy, K. J., and Hardt, W.-D.
• College/School: College of Medical Veterinary and Life Sciences > School of Infection & Immunity
• Journal Name: Trends in Immunology
• Publisher: Elsevier
• ISSN: 1471-4906
• ISSN (Online): 1471-4981
• Published Online: 09 July 2015