Fig. 4.

The AIM2 inflammasome. AIM2 directly binds to its ligand, which is double-stranded DNA. Following ligand binding, AIM2 recruits ASC and thereby leads to caspase-1 activation. Various exogenous triggers of the AIM2 inflammasome have been identified: vaccinia virus (depicted), mouse cytomegalovirus, L. monocytogenes, and F. tularensis. At the same time, it is tempting to speculate whether DNA of endogenous origin can also lead to AIM2 activation. This could, for example, include DNA antibody complexes found in autoimmune disease or DNA released from phagocytosed apoptotic cells