The inflammasome, a multiprotein complex, plays a crucial role in the field of innate immunity. It is activated by pathogen-associated molecular patterns (PAMPs) or damage-associated molecular patterns (DAMPs), which include a variety of stimuli such as viruses, fungi, and fibrillar amyloid-β peptides. Upon activation, the inflammasome regulates the maturation and secretion of pro-inflammatory cytokines, notably interleukin (IL)-1β and IL-18, and mediates pyroptosis through GSDMD. While inflammasome activation is essential for the body's defense against pathogens and recognition of danger signals, its dysregulation is implicated in numerous inflammatory diseases, including gout, type 2 diabetes, and neurodegenerative disorders like Parkinson's and Alzheimer's diseases. Recent studies have increasingly shown that hyperactivation of inflammasome complexes contributes to sustained neuroinflammation and the progression of neurodegenerative diseases. Despite these findings, there remains a significant gap in understanding the precise mechanisms by which aberrant inflammasome activation exacerbates neuroinflammation and neurodegeneration, underscoring the need for further research and exploration of potential therapeutic interventions targeting these pathways.
This research topic aims to advance the understanding of how inflammasome activation, particularly complexes such as NLRP3, NLRC4, NLRP1, and AIM2, contributes to the onset and progression of neuroinflammation and neurodegeneration. It also seeks to explore innovative pharmacological interventions, including gut-oriented approaches, that may offer therapeutic benefits in mitigating these conditions. By addressing these objectives, the research aims to provide insights into potential neurotherapeutic strategies that target inflammasome pathways, ultimately contributing to improved management and treatment of neuroinflammatory and neurodegenerative diseases.
To gather further insights into the role of inflammasome in neuroinflammation and neurodegeneration, we welcome articles addressing, but not limited to, the following themes:
- Inflammasome activation promotes the pathogenesis of neuroinflammation and neurodegeneration.
- The inhibitors of inflammasome activation alleviate the pathogenesis of neuroinflammation and neurodegeneration.
- Neuroinflammation and neurodegeneration regulate inflammasome activation.
- Negative regulation of inflammasome activation in neurological diseases.
Keywords: Neuroinflammation, Neurodegeneration, Inflammasome
Important note: All contributions to this Research Topic must be within the scope of the section and journal to which they are submitted, as defined in their mission statements. Frontiers reserves the right to guide an out-of-scope manuscript to a more suitable section or journal at any stage of peer review.
