Figure 3.

The two main steps for full inflammasome activation. Initiation of the process is priming, which leads to increased expression of NLRP3 and pro-IL-1b via nuclear factor-kappa B. This acts as a second messenger for toll-like receptor activation via DAMPs or PAMPs; an alternative pathway is NF-kB stimulation by TNF receptor and TNF α. Triggering or full activation of the inflammasome is the final oligomerization of NLRP3 with procaspase-1 cleaving properties. It can be induced by intracellular signaling due to increased ROS generation by dysfunctional mitochondria, potassium efflux or calcium influx, or lysosomal lysis after LDL crystal endocytosis. (Reproduced with permission, [31]).