Figure 2.

Cell signaling pathways activated in acute inflammation induced by carbon nanotubes (CNTs). NF-κB signaling is activated by CNTs and upregulates the expression of a variety of pro-inflammatory cytokines, such as TNF-α, IL-1α, and IL-1β, which in turn activate this signaling pathway. IL-1R signaling is shown to play a critical role in promoting CNT-induced acute inflammation in the lung, which is activated by IL-1α and IL-1β. NLRP3 inflammasome signaling is activated by CNTs and generates mature IL-1β and IL-18 for secretion and function. These three pathways represent the molecular basis for CNT-triggered acute inflammation.