Figure 3. Inflammasomes in placental inflammation.
Endothelial-derived extracellular vesicles and/or alarmins (e.g. cholesterol or uric acid) can activate the NLRP3, NLRP1, and NLRP7 inflammasomes in the placenta, leading to the processing and release of active caspase-1 and mature IL-1β. The resulting inflammation may lead to placental diseases such as preeclampsia and fetal growth restriction.