Inflammasome activation by SARS-CoV-2 and its participation in COVID-19 exacerbation

Author(s)

Rodrigues, Tamara S. ; Zamboni, Dario S.

• Document type: Journal article
• Source: CURRENT OPINION IN IMMUNOLOGY; v. 84, p. 6-pg., 2023-10-01.

Abstract

COVID-19 is an infectious and inflammatory disease caused by Coronavirus-2) that might progress to severe illness in humans, characterized by excessive pulmonary and systemic inflammation. Exacerbated production of inflammatory cytokines and cell death contributes to disease aggravation and the inflammasomes take a central stage in this process. Activation of the NLRP3 has been demonstrated in macrophages and monocytes infected in vitro, in mouse models of infection, and in cells and lungs of severe cases of COVID-19. It is still not clear how SARS-CoV-2 activates the NLRP3 inflammasome, and recent reports suggest that the virus engages the CASP4/11 (Caspase 4/11)-mediated noncanonical activation of NLRP3. In this review, we discuss the recent data regarding the activation of NLRP3 inflammasome by SARS-CoV-2 and their participation in the development of severe cases of COVID-19. (AU)

• FAPESP's process: 13/08216-2 - CRID - Center for Research in Inflammatory Diseases
• Grantee: Fernando de Queiroz Cunha
• Support Opportunities: Research Grants - Research, Innovation and Dissemination Centers - RIDC
• FAPESP's process: 20/04964-8 - Inflammasome activation by SARS-CoV-2 and the role of this platform in the pathogenesis of COVID-19: a prospective study aiming at NLRP3 inhibition for COVID-19 treatment
• Grantee: Dario Simões Zamboni
• Support Opportunities: Regular Research Grants
• FAPESP's process: 19/11342-6 - Mechanisms and consequences of the activation of cytoplasmic receptors by intracellular pathogens
• Grantee: Dario Simões Zamboni
• Support Opportunities: Research Projects - Thematic Grants