Figure 5.

The inflammasomes. The inflammasomes are caspase-activation platforms that assemble in response to infectious agents (e.g., viruses, bacteria, and fungi) and inert substances that induce inflammation (e.g., uric acid crystals, calcium phosphate crystals, alum, asbestos). They recruit and activate the inflammatory caspase-1 and -11. The caspase-1 activation platforms are supported by the NOD-like receptors (NLRs; e.g., NLRP3 and NLRC4) and AIM. Upon activation by inflammatory agents, these proteins recruit the adaptor molecule ASC and caspase-1. The subsequent activation of caspase-1 induces cleavage and secretion of two inflammatory cytokines, interleukin (IL) 1β and IL18.