Inflammasome Pathway

Intracellular sensor complexes activating inflammatory caspases and IL-1β/IL-18.

Overview

Inflammasomes are multiprotein oligomeric complexes that assemble in response to PAMPs and DAMPs. NLRP3 recruits ASC and pro-caspase-1. Activated caspase-1 cleaves pro-IL-1β and pro-IL-18 and cleaves gasdermin D, whose N-terminal domain forms membrane pores causing pyroptosis.

Cellular Location

Cytoplasm

Clinical Significance

Key driver of sterile inflammation in gout, atherosclerosis, and Alzheimer's; IL-1β inhibitors used clinically.

Key Molecules

NLRP3 ASC Pro-caspase-1 IL-1β IL-18 Gasdermin D K+ efflux ROS mtDNA

Key Enzymes

Caspase-1 NEK7 Gasdermin D (pore-forming)

Related Pathways

Toll-Like Receptor (TLR) Signaling

Pattern recognition receptors activating innate immune responses.

NF-κB Pathway

Master regulator of inflammation, immunity, and cell survival.

Intrinsic Apoptosis (Mitochondrial)

Cell death triggered by internal stress via mitochondrial cytochrome c release.