Inflammasomes of the intestinal epithelium

Mikael E Sellin, Kendle M Maslowski, Kevin J Maloy, Wolf-Dietrich Hardt

Research output: Contribution to journalReview articlepeer-review

51 Citations (Scopus)

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.

Original languageEnglish
Pages (from-to)442-50
Number of pages9
JournalTrends in Immunology
Volume36
Issue number8
DOIs
Publication statusPublished - Aug 2015

Keywords

  • Animals
  • Humans
  • Immunity, Mucosal
  • Inflammasomes
  • Intestinal Mucosa
  • Journal Article
  • Research Support, Non-U.S. Gov't
  • Review

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