Figure 8.
ER stress induces inflammasome activation. ER stress triggers the Unfolded Protein Response (UPR), which is an adaptive response for stressed cells to retain ER homeostasis. However, dysregulated UPR can cause cell death and tissue damage. ER stress potentially induces the activation of inflammasomes and production of IL-1β, which in turn further exacerbates ER stress and inflammation. Inflammasome activation, together with UPR response, contributes to liver damage and steatosis.