Figure 1.

NLRP3 inflammasome signaling pathway. It is known that the activation of NLRP3 is divided into two key steps: priming and activation. Signal 1 (priming; left): When pathogens and their products, injury, stress, and other signals stimulate cells, TLR, TNFR, and other receptors can be activated. NF-κB is activated through different pathways, which in turn promotes NLRP3, pro-IL-1β, and pro-IL-18. Provide a material basis for the activation and function of NLRP3 inflammasome. Signal 2 (activation; right): Multiple upstream signaling events are activated by PAMPs and DAMPs. These include K⁺ efflux, reactive oxygen species (ROS) production, etc. Inflammasome formation activates caspase-1, which cleaves pro-IL-1β and pro-IL-18. Gasdermin is also cleaved and inserted into membranes, forming pores and inducing pyroptosis.