The role of inflammasome modulation in virulence

Abstract

Pathogens frequently exist in an immunological balancing act with their host. Pathogens must not only replicate within a host but also transmit effectively between hosts to perpetuate their species. On the other hand, the host seeks to maintain homeostasis by clearing pathogens. The inflammasome is a multi-protein complex that can induce cell death and processes IL-1β and additional proinflammatory substrates. In this review we discuss the pathogen specific modulation of inflammasome activation and the role this plays in virulence and disease pathology.

Document Type

Article

DOI

https://doi.org/10.4161/viru.20266

Keywords

Caspase-1, Immune evasion, Immunopathology, Inflammasome, Pathogenicity, Virulence

Publication Date

1-1-2012

Journal Title

Virulence

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