Mitochondrial DNA-Driven AIM2 Inflammasome Activation in Neurodegeneration

Proposed by etl-backfill

AIM2, CASP1, IL1B, PYCARD neurodegeneration market 68% validated
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Composite
80%
Novelty
52%
Feasibility
66%
Impact
—
Mechanistic
80%
Druggability
90%
Safety
60%
Confidence
74%

Mechanistic description

Mechanistic Overview

Mitochondrial DNA-Driven AIM2 Inflammasome Activation in Neurodegeneration starts from the claim that modulating AIM2, CASP1, IL1B, PYCARD within the disease context of neurodegeneration can redirect a disease-relevant process. The original description reads: “Molecular Mechanism and Rationale The AIM2 (Absent in Melanoma 2) inflammasome represents a sophisticated cytosolic DNA-sensing apparatus that becomes dysregulated in neurodegenerative diseases through aberrant recognition of mitochondrial DNA (mtDNA). Under physiological conditions, mtDNA remains sequestered within the mitochondrial matrix and intermembrane space, protected by intact mitochondrial membranes. However, during neurodegeneration, multiple pathological stressors including amyloid-β oligomers, hyperphosphorylated tau aggregates, oxidative stress, and calcium dysregulation induce mitochondrial outer membrane permeabilization (MOMP). This process involves BAX/BAK oligomerization and formation of mitochondrial transition pores, leading to cytochrome c release and liberation of double-stranded mtDNA fragments ranging from 100-1000 base pairs into the cytoplasm. AIM2 contains two critical functional domains: an N-terminal pyrin domain (PYD) and a C-terminal HIN200 domain (hematopoietic interferon-inducible nuclear protein with 200-amino acid repeat). The HIN200 domain exhibits exquisite specificity for double-stranded DNA through electrostatic interactions, with particular affinity for mtDNA sequences due to their bacterial evolutionary origin and lack of histone packaging. Upon mtDNA binding, AIM2 undergoes a dramatic conformational change that relieves autoinhibition and exposes the PYD domain for homotypic protein-protein interactions. This nucleation event recruits the bipartite adaptor protein ASC/PYCARD (apoptosis-associated speck-like protein containing a CARD), which contains both PYD and CARD (caspase activation and recruitment domain) domains. ASC molecules undergo rapid oligomerization, forming large supramolecular complexes visible as cytoplasmic specks, creating a platform for caspase-1 (CASP1) recruitment through CARD-CARD interactions. The assembled inflammasome complex facilitates proximity-induced caspase-1 activation through trans-autoproteolysis, generating the enzymatically active p20/p10 heterodimer. Active caspase-1 then performs several critical functions: proteolytic maturation of pro-IL-1β and pro-IL-18 into their secreted bioactive forms, cleavage of gasdermin D (GSDMD) to generate pore-forming N-terminal fragments that trigger pyroptotic cell death, and processing of numerous additional substrates involved in inflammatory signaling and cellular metabolism. Preclinical Evidence Extensive preclinical evidence supports the role of mtDNA-driven AIM2 inflammasome activation in neurodegeneration across multiple experimental systems. In transgenic mouse models of Alzheimer’s disease, including APP/PS1, 5xFAD, and 3xTg-AD mice, immunohistochemical analysis reveals significant upregulation of AIM2 protein expression in both activated microglia and stressed neurons within brain regions exhibiting amyloid plaques and neurofibrillary tangles. Quantitative RT-PCR demonstrates 3-5 fold increases in AIM2 mRNA levels in hippocampal and cortical tissues from 12-month-old 5xFAD mice compared to wild-type littermates, with parallel increases in CASP1 activity and mature IL-1β levels measured by ELISA. Genetic ablation studies provide compelling functional evidence for AIM2’s pathological role. AIM2 knockout mice crossed onto the APP/PS1 background exhibit 35-45% reduction in cortical amyloid plaque burden at 12 months of age, accompanied by improved performance in Morris water maze and contextual fear conditioning paradigms. Microglial activation markers including Iba1 and CD68 are significantly reduced in AIM2-deficient animals, while synaptic proteins such as PSD-95 and synaptophysin show preserved expression levels compared to AIM2-competent transgenic controls. In vitro mechanistic studies using primary cortical neurons and mixed glial cultures demonstrate direct causative relationships between mitochondrial dysfunction and AIM2 activation. Treatment with rotenone or antimycin A to induce mitochondrial respiratory chain dysfunction results in time-dependent mtDNA release into the cytoplasm, detectable by immunofluorescence microscopy and quantitative PCR of cytosolic fractions. This mtDNA release correlates with AIM2 speck formation and caspase-1 activation, effects that are completely abolished by prior mtDNA depletion using ethidium bromide treatment or by AIM2 knockdown using specific siRNA sequences. Amyloid-β oligomer exposure (1-10 μM for 24-48 hours) triggers similar mtDNA release and AIM2 activation in primary neurons, with dose-dependent increases in IL-1β secretion reaching 5-10 fold above vehicle-treated controls. Tau protein aggregates prepared from post-mortem AD brain tissue similarly activate the AIM2 pathway when applied to cultured microglia, producing robust inflammasome assembly and cytokine release within 6-12 hours of treatment. Human post-mortem validation studies demonstrate elevated AIM2 protein levels in brain tissue from AD patients compared to age-matched controls, with immunohistochemical staining revealing prominent AIM2 expression in dystrophic neurites surrounding amyloid plaques and in activated microglial cells throughout affected brain regions. Genome-wide association studies have identified single nucleotide polymorphisms in the AIM2 gene locus (chromosome 1q23) that modify AD risk with odds ratios ranging from 1.15-1.35, while polymorphisms in PYCARD show similar disease associations. Therapeutic Strategy and Delivery Therapeutic intervention targeting the mtDNA-AIM2 axis offers multiple strategic approaches with distinct advantages and challenges. Small molecule inhibitors represent the most tractable near-term approach, with several compound classes showing preclinical efficacy. Direct AIM2 antagonists, such as modified cytosine-guanosine dinucleotides that competitively inhibit mtDNA binding, have demonstrated IC50 values in the low micromolar range in cell-based assays. Alternative strategies include allosteric modulators that prevent AIM2 conformational changes or ASC oligomerization inhibitors that disrupt inflammasome assembly downstream of DNA recognition. Upstream therapeutic targeting focuses on preventing mitochondrial dysfunction and mtDNA release. Mitochondria-targeted antioxidants such as MitoQ or SS-31 peptides can preserve mitochondrial membrane integrity and reduce MOMP, while cyclophilin D inhibitors like cyclosporine A analogs prevent mitochondrial transition pore formation. Novel approaches include engineered mtDNA-specific endonucleases that selectively degrade cytosolic mtDNA while sparing mitochondrial and nuclear genomes, and mtDNA-mimetic decoy oligonucleotides that saturate AIM2 binding capacity without triggering inflammasome activation. Downstream intervention targets include selective caspase-1 inhibitors such as VX-765 (belnacasan) and its analogs, which have shown efficacy in preclinical neurodegeneration models and acceptable safety profiles in clinical trials for other inflammatory conditions. IL-1β neutralizing antibodies or IL-1 receptor antagonists provide additional downstream targeting options with established clinical precedents. Delivery to the central nervous system presents significant challenges requiring specialized approaches. Lipid nanoparticle formulations can enhance brain penetration for small molecules, while focused ultrasound with microbubbles enables transient blood-brain barrier opening for larger therapeutics. Intranasal delivery offers non-invasive CNS access through olfactory and trigeminal pathways, potentially suitable for peptide and small protein therapeutics. For gene therapy approaches targeting AIM2 or related pathway components, adeno-associated virus vectors with neurotropic serotypes (AAV-PHP.eB, AAV9) show promise for widespread CNS transduction following systemic administration. Evidence for Disease Modification Distinguishing disease-modifying effects from symptomatic treatment requires comprehensive biomarker strategies addressing multiple aspects of neurodegeneration pathophysiology. Proximal biomarkers of AIM2 inflammasome activation include cerebrospinal fluid (CSF) levels of mature IL-1β and IL-18, measured by ultrasensitive ELISA or Luminex multiplex assays. Caspase-1 activity can be assessed using fluorogenic substrate assays or by detecting specific cleavage products such as the gasdermin D N-terminal fragment. These inflammatory biomarkers should normalize with effective AIM2 pathway inhibition, providing early evidence of target engagement. Upstream biomarkers include circulating and CSF mtDNA levels, quantified using digital droplet PCR for specific mitochondrial genes such as COX1 or 16S rRNA. Elevated cytosolic mtDNA serves as both a mechanistic biomarker and therapeutic target, with successful interventions expected to reduce extramitochondrial mtDNA detection. AIM2 protein levels in CSF, measured by immunoassay, provide additional pathway-specific biomarkers. Neuroimaging biomarkers offer critical insights into disease modification. PET imaging using [11C]PBR28 or second-generation TSPO ligands can quantify microglial activation in specific brain regions, with effective AIM2 inhibition expected to reduce TSPO binding. Structural MRI measures including hippocampal and cortical volumes provide downstream readouts of neuroprotection, while diffusion tensor imaging can assess white matter integrity. Advanced techniques such as magnetic resonance spectroscopy enable measurement of neuronal markers (N-acetylaspartate) and inflammatory metabolites. Functional outcomes provide the ultimate evidence for disease modification. Cognitive assessments using sensitive computerized batteries can detect early changes in episodic memory, executive function, and processing speed. Electrophysiological measures including quantitative EEG and event-related potentials offer objective neurophysiological readouts. In combination, these multi-modal biomarkers can provide convergent evidence for disease-modifying effects beyond symptomatic improvement. Clinical Translation Considerations Patient selection strategies should prioritize individuals with evidence of systemic or CNS inflammation who are most likely to benefit from AIM2 pathway inhibition. Elevated CSF IL-1β or peripheral inflammatory markers could identify suitable candidates, while genetic screening for AIM2 and PYCARD polymorphisms may stratify risk and treatment response. Early-stage AD patients with preserved cognitive function but biomarker evidence of pathology represent optimal candidates for disease modification trials. Clinical trial design must account for the complex interplay between inflammation and neurodegeneration. Adaptive trial designs allowing dose optimization and biomarker-driven enrollment modifications offer advantages for this novel mechanism. Primary endpoints should emphasize biomarker changes reflecting target engagement and pathway modulation, with cognitive outcomes as secondary endpoints given the expected time course for clinical benefits. Trial duration of 12-18 months minimum is likely required to demonstrate meaningful clinical effects. Safety considerations are paramount given AIM2’s role in antimicrobial immunity. Comprehensive infectious disease monitoring, including viral reactivation surveillance, will be essential throughout clinical development. Drug-drug interaction studies with common AD medications are necessary, particularly given potential effects on microglial activation that could modify amyloid clearance mechanisms. Regulatory pathways will likely require extensive preclinical safety packages demonstrating selectivity for pathological versus physiological AIM2 activation. The FDA’s accelerated approval pathway for AD therapeutics may be applicable if robust biomarker changes can be demonstrated, though confirmatory trials will ultimately be required. Future Directions and Combination Approaches The mtDNA-AIM2 axis represents one component of broader neuroinflammatory networks that may require combination therapeutic approaches for optimal efficacy. Concurrent targeting of the cGAS-STING pathway, which also responds to cytosolic DNA, could provide synergistic anti-inflammatory effects. STING inhibitors are under development for autoimmune diseases and could be repurposed for neurodegeneration applications. Combination with existing AD therapeutics presents compelling opportunities. Anti-amyloid therapies such as aducanumab or lecanemab could be enhanced by concurrent inflammasome inhibition, potentially improving efficacy and reducing inflammatory side effects like ARIA (amyloid-related imaging abnormalities). Tau-targeting therapeutics may similarly benefit from reduced neuroinflammation that could slow tau aggregation and spread. Future research directions include investigation of AIM2 pathway involvement in other neurodegenerative diseases. Preliminary evidence suggests similar mechanisms in Parkinson’s disease, ALS, and frontotemporal dementia, potentially expanding the therapeutic opportunity. Development of improved biomarkers for patient stratification and treatment monitoring remains a priority, including novel PET tracers specific for inflammasome activation and advanced proteomic approaches for CSF biomarker discovery. Long-term goals include personalized medicine approaches incorporating genetic risk factors, inflammatory profiles, and disease stage to optimize therapeutic selection and dosing. The ultimate vision encompasses a comprehensive understanding of neuroinflammatory networks that enables precise therapeutic intervention to prevent or reverse neurodegeneration while preserving essential immune functions.” Framed more explicitly, the hypothesis centers AIM2, CASP1, IL1B, PYCARD within the broader disease setting of neurodegeneration. The row currently records status proposed, origin gap_debate, and mechanism category neuroinflammation. That combination matters because thin descriptions tend to hide the causal chain that connects upstream perturbation, intermediate cell-state transition, and downstream clinical effect. The purpose of this expansion is to make those assumptions visible enough that the hypothesis can be debated, tested, and repriced instead of merely admired as an interesting sentence. The decision-relevant question is whether modulating AIM2, CASP1, IL1B, PYCARD or the surrounding pathway space around AIM2 inflammasome activation via cytosolic mitochondrial DNA sensing can redirect a disease process rather than merely decorate it with a biomarker change. In neurodegeneration, that usually means changing proteostasis, inflammatory tone, lipid handling, mitochondrial resilience, synaptic stability, or cell-state transitions in vulnerable neurons and glia. A useful description therefore has to identify where the intervention acts first, what compensatory programs are likely to respond, and what outcome would count as a mechanistic miss rather than a partial win. SciDEX scoring currently records confidence 0.28, mechanistic plausibility 0.80, and clinical relevance 0.04.

Molecular and Cellular Rationale

The nominated target genes are AIM2, CASP1, IL1B, PYCARD and the pathway label is AIM2 inflammasome activation via cytosolic mitochondrial DNA sensing. Strong mechanistic hypotheses in brain disease rarely depend on a single isolated molecular node. Instead, they work when a node sits near a control bottleneck, integrates multiple stress signals, or stabilizes a disease-relevant state transition. That is the standard this hypothesis should be held to. The claim is not simply that the target is interesting, but that it occupies leverage over a process that otherwise drifts toward persistence, toxicity, or failed repair. Gene-expression context on the row adds an important constraint: Gene Expression Context NLRP3 (NLR Family Pyrin Domain Containing 3): - Innate immune sensor; forms inflammasome complex with ASC (PYCARD) and pro-caspase-1 - Allen Human Brain Atlas: primarily expressed in microglia; low in neurons and astrocytes - NLRP3 expression increases 3-5× in AD microglia surrounding amyloid plaques - Activated by Aβ fibrils, tau aggregates, ROS, and extracellular ATP - NLRP3 knockout mice crossed with APP/PS1 show 50% reduced plaque burden and preserved cognition - MCC950 (NLRP3 inhibitor) rescues spatial memory in AD mouse models CASP1 (Caspase-1): - Inflammatory caspase; effector protease of the inflammasome - Cleaves pro-IL-1β and pro-IL-18 into mature inflammatory cytokines - Allen Human Brain Atlas: expressed in microglia and monocyte-derived macrophages in brain - Active caspase-1 detected in AD hippocampus by immunohistochemistry; correlates with CDR score - Also cleaves gasdermin D (GSDMD) to form membrane pores → pyroptotic cell death - VX-765 (caspase-1 inhibitor) reduces Aβ burden and inflammation in J20 mice IL1B (Interleukin-1β): - Pro-inflammatory cytokine; central mediator of neuroinflammation in AD - Allen Human Brain Atlas: induced expression in microglia; minimal constitutive expression - IL-1β elevated 2-6× in AD brain, CSF, and plasma - Drives tau phosphorylation via p38-MAPK and activates astrocytic A1 neurotoxic phenotype - Chronic IL-1β exposure impairs hippocampal LTP and reduces BDNF expression - Anti-IL-1β therapy (canakinumab) reduced dementia incidence in CANTOS cardiovascular trial PYCARD (ASC / Apoptosis-Associated Speck-like Protein): - Adaptor protein; bridges NLRP3 sensor to caspase-1 effector via CARD-CARD interaction - ASC specks released from pyroptotic microglia propagate inflammation to neighboring cells - ASC specks cross-seed Aβ aggregation — direct molecular link between inflammation and amyloidosis - Extracellular ASC detectable in AD CSF; proposed as inflammatory biomarker Microbial Inflammasome Priming: - Gut microbiome-derived molecules (LPS, short-chain fatty acids) prime NLRP3 via NF-κB signal 1 - Dysbiosis in AD patients increases circulating LPS, lowering NLRP3 activation threshold - Microglial NLRP3 priming creates feed-forward cycle with Aβ deposition Source: Allen Human Brain Atlas Alzheimer’s Disease Relevance: - Target genes NLRP3, CASP1, IL1B, PYCARD form the core inflammasome axis in AD neuroinflammation - Regional expression in hippocampus and cortex drives selective vulnerability of memory circuits - Inflammasome inhibition is a leading anti-inflammatory therapeutic strategy for AD This matters because expression and cell-state data narrow the plausible mechanism space. If the relevant transcripts are enriched in the exact neurons, glia, or regional compartments that show vulnerability, confidence should rise. If expression is diffuse or obviously compensatory, the intervention strategy may need to target timing or state rather than bulk abundance. Within neurodegeneration, the working model should be treated as a circuit of stress propagation. Perturbation of AIM2, CASP1, IL1B, PYCARD or AIM2 inflammasome activation via cytosolic mitochondrial DNA sensing is unlikely to matter in isolation. Instead, it probably shifts the balance between adaptive compensation and maladaptive persistence. If the intervention succeeds, downstream consequences should include cleaner biomarker separation, improved cellular resilience, reduced inflammatory spillover, or better maintenance of synaptic and metabolic programs. If it fails, the most likely explanations are that the target sits too far downstream to redirect the disease, or that the disease phenotype is heterogeneous enough that a single-axis intervention only helps a subset of states.

Evidence Supporting the Hypothesis

  1. Gut microbiota-derived metabolites activate NLRP3 inflammasome in microglia, promoting neuroinflammation in AD mouse models. Identifier 33875891. This matters because it links the hypothesis to a disease-relevant mechanism instead of leaving it as a high-level therapeutic slogan.

  2. Periodontal pathogen P. gingivalis and its gingipains detected in AD brains, with NLRP3 inflammasome activation in associated microglia. Identifier 30610225. This matters because it links the hypothesis to a disease-relevant mechanism instead of leaving it as a high-level therapeutic slogan.

  3. NLRP3 inflammasome activation in microglia drives tau hyperphosphorylation and aggregation via ASC speck seeding. Identifier 31748742. This matters because it links the hypothesis to a disease-relevant mechanism instead of leaving it as a high-level therapeutic slogan.

  4. Bacterial amyloids from gut microbiota cross-seed Aβ aggregation and prime NLRP3 inflammasome in TLR2-dependent manner. Identifier 27519954. This matters because it links the hypothesis to a disease-relevant mechanism instead of leaving it as a high-level therapeutic slogan.

  5. Fecal microbiota transplant from AD patients to germ-free mice induces neuroinflammation and NLRP3-dependent cognitive impairment. Identifier 33741860. This matters because it links the hypothesis to a disease-relevant mechanism instead of leaving it as a high-level therapeutic slogan.

  6. Gut-derived short-chain fatty acids regulate microglial inflammasome priming; dysbiosis reduces protective butyrate levels. Identifier 31043694. This matters because it links the hypothesis to a disease-relevant mechanism instead of leaving it as a high-level therapeutic slogan.

Contradictory Evidence, Caveats, and Failure Modes

  1. NLRP3 inflammasome also serves protective antimicrobial functions in the CNS; complete inhibition may increase infection susceptibility. Identifier 32404631. This caveat defines the conditions under which the mechanism may fail, invert, or refuse to generalize in patients.

  2. Blood-brain barrier limits microbial products from reaching CNS; gut-brain inflammasome priming may be an indirect rather than direct mechanism. Identifier 31043694. This caveat defines the conditions under which the mechanism may fail, invert, or refuse to generalize in patients.

  3. P. gingivalis detection in AD brains may reflect post-mortem artifact rather than causal pathology. Identifier 31278369. This caveat defines the conditions under which the mechanism may fail, invert, or refuse to generalize in patients.

  4. Microbiome composition is highly variable between individuals; identifying universal therapeutic targets for prevention is challenging. Identifier 34497383. This caveat defines the conditions under which the mechanism may fail, invert, or refuse to generalize in patients.

  5. Long-term NLRP3 inhibition may impair peripheral innate immune surveillance and increase cancer risk. Identifier 31337621. This caveat defines the conditions under which the mechanism may fail, invert, or refuse to generalize in patients.

Clinical and Translational Relevance

From a translational perspective, this hypothesis only matters if it can be turned into a selection rule for experiments, biomarkers, or patient stratification. The row currently records market price 0.683, debate count 1, citations 31, predictions 2, and falsifiability flag 1. Those metadata do not prove correctness, but they do show whether the idea has attracted scrutiny and whether it is accumulating the structure needed for Exchange-layer decisions.

  1. Trial context: Unknown. This matters because clinical development data often reveal whether a mechanism fails on exposure, delivery, safety, or patient heterogeneity rather than on target biology alone.

  2. Trial context: Unknown. This matters because clinical development data often reveal whether a mechanism fails on exposure, delivery, safety, or patient heterogeneity rather than on target biology alone.

  3. Trial context: Unknown. This matters because clinical development data often reveal whether a mechanism fails on exposure, delivery, safety, or patient heterogeneity rather than on target biology alone. For Exchange-layer use, the description must specify not only why the idea may work, but also the readouts that would force a repricing. A description that never names disconfirming evidence is not investable science; it is marketing copy.

Experimental Predictions and Validation Strategy

First, the hypothesis should be decomposed into a perturbation experiment that directly manipulates AIM2, CASP1, IL1B, PYCARD in a model matched to neurodegeneration. The key readout should include pathway markers, cell-state markers, and at least one phenotype that maps onto “Mitochondrial DNA-Driven AIM2 Inflammasome Activation in Neurodegeneration”. Second, the study design should include a rescue arm. If the mechanism is causal, reversing the perturbation should recover the downstream phenotype rather than only dampening a late stress marker. Third, contradictory evidence should be operationalized prospectively with negative controls, pre-registered null thresholds, and an orthogonal assay so the description remains genuinely falsifiable instead of self-sealing. Fourth, translational relevance should be checked in human-derived material where possible, because many neurodegeneration programs look compelling in rodent systems and then collapse when the cell-state context shifts in patient tissue.

Decision-Oriented Summary

In summary, the operational claim is that targeting AIM2, CASP1, IL1B, PYCARD within the disease frame of neurodegeneration can produce a measurable change in mechanism rather than only a cosmetic change in a terminal biomarker. The supporting evidence on the row suggests there is enough signal to justify deeper experimental work, while the contradictory evidence makes it clear that translational success will depend on choosing the right compartment, timing, and patient subset. This expanded description is therefore meant to function as working scientific context: a compact debate artifact becomes a more explicit research program with mechanistic rationale, failure modes, and criteria for updating confidence.

Mechanism / pathway

  1. AIM2, CASP1, IL1B, PYCARD
  2. AIM2 inflammasome activation via cytosolic mitochondrial DNA sensing
  3. neurodegeneration

Evidence for (20)

  • Gut microbiota-derived metabolites activate NLRP3 inflammasome in microglia, promoting neuroinflammation in AD mouse models.

    PMID:33875891 2021 J Neuroinflammation

    UK Biobank is a major prospective epidemiological study, including multimodal brain imaging, genetics and ongoing health outcomes. Previously, we published genome-wide associations of 3,144 brain imaging-derived phenotypes, with a discovery sample of 8,428 individuals. Here we present a new open resource of genome-wide association study summary statistics, using the 2020 data release, almost tripling the discovery sample size. We now include the X chromosome and new classes of imaging-derived phenotypes (subcortical volumes and tissue contrast). Previously, we found 148 replicated clusters of associations between genetic variants and imaging phenotypes; in this study, we found 692, including 12 on the X chromosome. We describe some of the newly found associations, focusing on the X chromosome and autosomal associations involving the new classes of imaging-derived phenotypes. Our novel associations implicate, for example, pathways involved in the rare X-linked STAR (syndactyly, telecant

  • Periodontal pathogen P. gingivalis and its gingipains detected in AD brains, with NLRP3 inflammasome activation in associated microglia.

    PMID:30610225 2019 Sci Adv

    The transcription factor NF-E2 p45-related factor 2 (NRF2; encoded by NFE2L2) and its principal negative regulator, the E3 ligase adaptor Kelch-like ECH-associated protein 1 (KEAP1), are critical in the maintenance of redox, metabolic and protein homeostasis, as well as the regulation of inflammation. Thus, NRF2 activation provides cytoprotection against numerous pathologies including chronic diseases of the lung and liver; autoimmune, neurodegenerative and metabolic disorders; and cancer initiation. One NRF2 activator has received clinical approval and several electrophilic modifiers of the cysteine-based sensor KEAP1 and inhibitors of its interaction with NRF2 are now in clinical development. However, challenges regarding target specificity, pharmacodynamic properties, efficacy and safety remain.

  • NLRP3 inflammasome activation in microglia drives tau hyperphosphorylation and aggregation via ASC speck seeding.

    PMID:31748742 2019 Nature

    Alzheimer's disease is characterized by the accumulation of amyloid-beta in plaques, aggregation of hyperphosphorylated tau in neurofibrillary tangles and neuroinflammation, together resulting in neurodegeneration and cognitive decline1. The NLRP3 inflammasome assembles inside of microglia on activation, leading to increased cleavage and activity of caspase-1 and downstream interleukin-1β release2. Although the NLRP3 inflammasome has been shown to be essential for the development and progression of amyloid-beta pathology in mice3, the precise effect on tau pathology remains unknown. Here we show that loss of NLRP3 inflammasome function reduced tau hyperphosphorylation and aggregation by regulating tau kinases and phosphatases. Tau activated the NLRP3 inflammasome and intracerebral injection of fibrillar amyloid-beta-containing brain homogenates induced tau pathology in an NLRP3-dependent manner. These data identify an important role of microglia and NLRP3 inflammasome activation in the

  • Bacterial amyloids from gut microbiota cross-seed Aβ aggregation and prime NLRP3 inflammasome in TLR2-dependent manner.

    PMID:27519954 2016 Sci Rep

    Kawasaki disease (KD) has become the most common cause of acquired heart disease in children and is also a risk factor for ischemic heart disease in adults. However, Kawasaki disease lacks specific laboratory diagnostic indices. Thus, this study analyzed the T cell activation profiles of Kawasaki disease and assessed their value in the diagnosis of Kawasaki disease and the prediction of intravenous immunoglobulin (IVIG) sensitivity. We analyzed human leukocyte antigen-DR (HLA-DR), CD69 and CD25 expression on peripheral blood CD4+ and CD8+ T cells during the acute phase of KD. We compared the percentages of HLA-DR+/CD69+/CD25+ T cells in the CD4+ and CD8+ T cell populations of IVIG-effective and IVIG-resistant groups. Receiver operating characteristic curves were used to assess the diagnostic value of the above parameters. The median percentage of CD8+HLA-DR+ T cells and the median ratio of CD8+HLA-DR+ T cells/CD8+CD25+ T cells were significantly elevated in the patient group compared w

  • Fecal microbiota transplant from AD patients to germ-free mice induces neuroinflammation and NLRP3-dependent cognitive impairment.

    PMID:33741860 2021 Mol Psychiatry

    OBJECTIVE: To analyze the fluorine-18 fludeoxyglucose PET/computed tomography (18F-FDG PET/CT) findings of retroperitoneal leiomyosarcoma (RLMS) and the role of this method in differentiating between benign and malignant masses and classifying the malignant degree to improve the understanding of this rare disease. METHODS: Eight leiomyomas (A group), 13 RLMSs (B group), and 20 postoperative recurrence/metastasis RLMSs (C group) were enrolled. PET/CT features of B group were analyzed. The differences of metabolic parameters between three groups were compared, receiver operating characteristic (ROC) curve analysis was performed to group A and B, and correlation analysis was performed to subgroup B. RESULTS: (1) The RLMS patients were more likely to be female, and PET/CT showed a high degree of heterogeneous metabolism in the soft tissue mass. (2) The standardized uptake value (SUV) of RLMS were significantly higher than those of benign leiomyomas (P < 0.05). The area under the ROC curve

  • Gut-derived short-chain fatty acids regulate microglial inflammasome priming; dysbiosis reduces protective butyrate levels.

    PMID:31043694 2019 Nat Rev Neurosci

    In the interest of the trend towards miniaturization of electronic gadgets, this study demonstrates a high-density data storage device with a very simple three-stacking layer consisting of only one charge trapping layer. A simple solution-processed technique has been used to fabricate the tristable non-volatile memory. The three-stacking layer was constructed in between two metals to form a two-terminal metal-insulator-metal structure. The fabricated device showed a large multilevel memory hysteresis window with a measured ON/OFF current ratio of 107 that might be attributed to the high charge trapped in molybdenum disulphide (MoS2) flakes-graphene quantum dots (GQDs) heterostructure. Transmission electron microscopy was performed to examine the orientation of MoS2-GQD and mixture dispersion preparation method. The obtained electrical data was used further to speculate the possible transport mechanisms through the fabricated device by a curve fitting technique. Also, endurance cycle an

  • MCC950, a selective NLRP3 inhibitor, reduces Aβ accumulation and rescues cognitive function in APP/PS1 mice.

    PMID:29263430 2017 Nat Med

    In this study we characterise three tandem promoters (PR1-1, PR1-2 and PR1-3) within the PR1 regulatory region of the Escherichia coli kps capsule gene cluster. Transcription from promoter PR1-2 was dependent on the activity of the upstream promoter PR1-1, which activated PR1-2 via transcription coupled DNA supercoiling. During growth at 37 °C a temporal pattern of transcription from all three promoters was observed with maximum transcriptional activity evident during mid-exponential phase followed by a sharp decrease in activity as the cells enter stationary phase. The growth phase dependent transcription was regulated by Integration Host Factor (IHF), which bound within the PR1 region to repress transcription from PR1-2 and PR1-3. This pattern of transcription was mirrored by growth phase dependent expression of the K1 capsule. Overall these data reveal a complex pattern of transcriptional regulation for an important virulence factor with IHF playing a role in regulating growth phase

  • Oral antibiotic cocktail reduces microglial NLRP3 activation and amyloid plaque burden in 5xFAD mice via gut-brain axis modulation.

    PMID:30679038 2019 J Exp Med

    BACKGROUND: Hands are the most common vehicle for the transmission of pathogens within the healthcare environment. Hand hygiene is the leading measure for reducing healthcare-associated infections (HCAIs) and preventing the spread of antimicrobial resistance. OBJECTIVE: An interventional study was carried out to evaluate the knowledge, attitude and practices of hand hygiene among third semester medical students. MATERIALS AND METHODS: A total of 152 medical students were evaluated using a pretest self-structured questionnaire to assess the knowledge, attitude and practices regarding hand hygiene. The students were trained by faculty of microbiology vigorously with the help of a lecture and demonstration on hand hygiene followed by hands-on training. The same group of students were then distributed the post-training questionnaire. The pre-training and post training data was analyzed and compared. RESULT: There was a significant improvement in knowledge, attitude and practice towards han

  • Helicobacter pylori infection associated with increased AD risk in meta-analysis of 11 studies; eradication reduces cognitive decline trajectory.

    PMID:33080553 2020 Eur J Neurol

    This studystudy focuses on the effect of radiation treatment and hydrogen peroxide (H2O2) on the toxicity of anticancer methotrexate. For cytotoxicity, different bioassays such as Allium cepa, hemolytic, brine shrimp were employed. The Ames test was used for mutagenicity analysis. The solutions having concentrations 5, 10 and 15 ppm were irradiated with UV radiation exposure time 15, 30, 45, 60, 75 and 90 min and gamma radiation absorbed doses 0.3, 0.6, 0.9, 1.2, 2, 3 and 4 kGy in combination with with H2O2. There was a clear difference observed for aqueous solution before and after treatment with reference to cytotoxicity and mutagenicity. In Allium cepa test, a 47.07, 44.36 and 38.23% increase in root length (RL), root count (RC) and mitotic index (MI) was observed, respectively, for UV/H2O2 treatment and in the case of gamma/H2O2 treatment, the RL, RC and MI were increased up to 49.39, 52.63 and 52.38%, respectively. Brine shrimp test has shown 85.95 and 91.30% decrease in toxicity

  • Caspase-1 (CASP1) cleaves IL-1β and IL-18 downstream of NLRP3; genetic deletion of CASP1 is neuroprotective in tau transgenic mice.

    PMID:28506519 2017 J Neurosci

    Sodium-glucose cotransporter-2 (SGLT2) is selectively expressed in the human kidney, where it executes reabsorption of filtered glucose with a high capacity; it may be overactive in patients with diabetes, especially in the early, hyperfiltering stage of the disease. As a therapeutic target, SGLT2 has been successfully engaged by orally active, selective agents. Initially developed as antihyperglycemic drugs, SGLT2 inhibitors have deployed a range of in vivo actions. Consequences of their primary effect, i.e., profuse glycosuria and natriuresis, involve hemodynamic (plasma volume and blood pressure reduction) and metabolic pathways (increase in lipid oxidation and ketogenesis at the expense of carbohydrate utilization); the hormonal mediation extends to insulin, glucagon, and gastrointestinal peptides. Their initial trial in high-risk patients with diabetes has provided evidence for marked reduction of cardiovascular risk. This review focuses on the quantitative pharmacology of SGLT2 i

  • Trained immunity of microglia by peripheral infection leads to sustained NLRP3 inflammasome priming and accelerated neurodegeneration months after infection resolution.

    PMID:29643512 2018 Nature

    Innate immune memory is a vital mechanism of myeloid cell plasticity that occurs in response to environmental stimuli and alters subsequent immune responses. Two types of immunological imprinting can be distinguished-training and tolerance. These are epigenetically mediated and enhance or suppress subsequent inflammation, respectively. Whether immune memory occurs in tissue-resident macrophages in vivo and how it may affect pathology remains largely unknown. Here we demonstrate that peripherally applied inflammatory stimuli induce acute immune training and tolerance in the brain and lead to differential epigenetic reprogramming of brain-resident macrophages (microglia) that persists for at least six months. Strikingly, in a mouse model of Alzheimer's pathology, immune training exacerbates cerebral β-amyloidosis and immune tolerance alleviates it; similarly, peripheral immune stimulation modifies pathological features after stroke. Our results identify immune memory in the brain as an i

  • Elevated expression of the NLRP3 inflammasome in post-mortem brain white matter and immune cells in multiple sclerosis.

    PMID:41687275 2026 Mult Scler Relat Disord

    BACKGROUND: The nucleotide-binding oligomerization domain (NOD)-like receptor pyrin domain-containing 3 (NLRP3) inflammasome is a signalling hub associated with the pathogenesis of neuroinflammatory conditions such as multiple sclerosis (MS). NLRP3 inflammasome activation requires interplay between pathogen-/damage-associated molecular patterns and other soluble factors, which initiates inflammation to promote the secretion of the cytokine, interleukin (IL)-1β. OBJECTIVE: To determine if the expression of NLRP3 inflammasome signalling components is altered in the brain and in immune cells in MS. METHODS: Using post-mortem brain tissue from 21 cases, including 8 non-MS control, 7 primary progressive (PP) MS and 6 secondary progressive (SP) MS cases, alongside peripheral blood mononuclear cells (PBMCs) isolated from 45 subjects including healthy controls (n = 23), and people with (pw) a relapsing remitting (RR) (n = 15), SP (n = 5) or PP (n = 2) form of MS, we profiled the expression of

  • NLRP3 Inflammasome and Polycystic Ovary Syndrome (PCOS): A Novel Profile in Adipose Tissue.

    PMID:41596350 2026 Int J Mol Sci

    Polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS) is a common endocrine disorder characterized by chronic low-grade inflammation. The NLRP3 inflammasome has been implicated in various inflammatory conditions, but its role in PCOS remains unclear. This study aimed to investigate whether the NLRP3 inflammasome and its associated components, IL-1β, CASP-1, and PYCARD, are involved in the pathogenesis of PCOS. Gene and protein expression levels of NLRP3, IL-1β, CASP-1, and PYCARD were assessed in adipose tissue samples (visceral and subcutaneous) from women with and without PCOS using qPCR and Western blotting. Contrary to our initial hypothesis, CASP-1 gene expression was significantly higher in non-PCOS participants across all adipose depots examined. Similarly, NLRP3 protein levels were significantly upregulated in visceral adipose tissue (VAT) and in combined adipose samples from the non-PCOS group. No significant group differences were observed in the gene expression of NLRP3, IL-1β, or PYCARD. These

  • Δ(9)-Tetrahydrocannabinol and cannabidiol selectively suppress toll-like receptor (TLR) 7- and TLR8-mediated interleukin-1β production by human CD16(+) monocytes by inhibiting its post-translational maturation.

    PMID:40553974 2025 J Pharmacol Exp Ther

    Monocytes are innate immune cells that release inflammatory factors upon detection of infectious and injurious stimuli. CD16+ monocytes, a subset of the total monocyte population, are associated with acute and chronic inflammation in human immunodeficiency virus-associated neurocognitive disorder and rheumatoid arthritis. Given the role monocytes play in regulating the host immune response, this investigation explored the effects of cannabinoids on the monocyte secretome for potential therapeutic applications. Δ9-Tetrahydrocannabinol (THC) and cannabidiol (CBD) are major cannabis-derived compounds established to have immune-modulating properties. Despite a rise in medical cannabis use, the specific mechanism by which THC and CBD modulate the inflammatory response, including by human monocytes remains poorly understood. We hypothesized that THC and CBD suppress toll-like receptor (TLR) 7- or TLR8-induced inflammatory profiles by CD16+ and CD16- monocytes, specifically interleukin (IL) 1

  • Nlrc4 Inflammasome Expression After Acute Myocardial Infarction in Rats.

    PMID:40332346 2025 Int J Mol Sci

    Acute myocardial necrosis activates the immune response and inflammatory processes. Although the initial response is helpful in restoring tissue injury, dysregulated and exacerbated inflammation contributes to the progression of cardiac remodeling. Inflammasomes play important roles in post-infarction inflammation. NALP1/NLRP1, NLRP 3, and NLRC4 are the best-known inflammasomes. NLRP3, which has received the most study in cardiovascular disease, has been linked to increased IL-1β (IL1B) production and caspase-1 activity, as well as impaired cardiac function. The role of NLRP1 and NLRC4 inflammasomes after acute myocardial infarction (MI) is poorly understood. We evaluated the expression of myocardial inflammasomes and inflammatory markers 72 h after MI in rats. Male Wistar rats were divided into Sham (n = 15) and MI (n = 16) groups. MI was induced by ligating the left anterior descending coronary artery. Infarct size was assessed by histology. Myocardial protein and gene expression was

  • USP5 attenuates NLRP3 inflammasome activation by promoting autophagic degradation of NLRP3

    PMID:34486483 2022 Autophagy

  • USP22 suppresses the NLRP3 inflammasome by degrading NLRP3 via ATG5-dependent autophagy

    PMID:35900990 2023 Autophagy

  • Small molecule-driven NLRP3 inflammation inhibition via interplay between ubiquitination and autophagy: implications for Parkinson disease

    PMID:30966861 2019 Autophagy

  • The macrophage-specific V-ATPase subunit ATP6V0D2 restricts inflammasome activation and bacterial infection by facilitating autophagosome-lysosome fusion

    PMID:30681394 2019 Autophagy

  • Andrographolide Attenuates NLRP3 Inflammasome Activation and Airway Inflammation in Exacerbation of Chronic Obstructive Pulmonary Disease

    PMID:38808326 2024 Drug Des Devel Ther

Evidence against (11)

  • NLRP3 inflammasome also serves protective antimicrobial functions in the CNS; complete inhibition may increase infection susceptibility.

    PMID:32404631 2020 Immunity

  • Blood-brain barrier limits microbial products from reaching CNS; gut-brain inflammasome priming may be an indirect rather than direct mechanism.

    PMID:31043694 2019 Nat Rev Neurosci

    In the interest of the trend towards miniaturization of electronic gadgets, this study demonstrates a high-density data storage device with a very simple three-stacking layer consisting of only one charge trapping layer. A simple solution-processed technique has been used to fabricate the tristable non-volatile memory. The three-stacking layer was constructed in between two metals to form a two-terminal metal-insulator-metal structure. The fabricated device showed a large multilevel memory hysteresis window with a measured ON/OFF current ratio of 107 that might be attributed to the high charge trapped in molybdenum disulphide (MoS2) flakes-graphene quantum dots (GQDs) heterostructure. Transmission electron microscopy was performed to examine the orientation of MoS2-GQD and mixture dispersion preparation method. The obtained electrical data was used further to speculate the possible transport mechanisms through the fabricated device by a curve fitting technique. Also, endurance cycle an

  • P. gingivalis detection in AD brains may reflect post-mortem artifact rather than causal pathology.

    PMID:31278369 2019 J Alzheimers Dis

    Optical-coherence-tomography (OCT) is a non-destructive tool for biofilm imaging, not requiring staining, and used to measure biofilm thickness and putative comparison of biofilm structure based on signal intensity distributions in OCT-images. Quantitative comparison of biofilm signal intensities in OCT-images, is difficult due to the auto-scaling applied in OCT-instruments to ensure optimal quality of individual images. Here, we developed a method to eliminate the influence of auto-scaling in order to allow quantitative comparison of biofilm densities in different images. Auto- and re-scaled signal intensities could be qualitatively interpreted in line with biofilm characteristics for single and multi-species biofilms of different strains and species (cocci and rod-shaped organisms), demonstrating qualitative validity of auto- and re-scaling analyses. However, specific features of pseudomonas and oral multi-species biofilms were more prominently expressed after re-scaling. Quantitativ

  • Microbiome composition is highly variable between individuals; identifying universal therapeutic targets for prevention is challenging.

    PMID:34497383 2021 Nat Med

    COVID-19 vaccination programmes are ongoing worldwide. Neutralizing antibodies are thought to be key for host protection against COVID-19; however, strategies that focus only on neutralizing antibodies may not be sufficient to cope with the pandemic in the longer term owing to the decay of antibody titres and the emergence of antibody-escape variants of SARS-CoV-2. Here, we describe the protective roles of T cells in COVID-19 and the conservation of T cell epitopes in SARS-CoV-2 variants of concern, and discuss the potential contribution of T cell-oriented strategies to controlling the COVID-19 pandemic. This Comment article proposes that T cell-oriented vaccine strategies should be considered to control the COVID-19 pandemic in the longer term, given declining levels of neutralizing antibodies with time after vaccination or infection and the emergence of viral escape variants.

  • Long-term NLRP3 inhibition may impair peripheral innate immune surveillance and increase cancer risk.

    PMID:31337621 2019 Nat Rev Immunol

    BACKGROUND AND OBJECTIVES: Patients who have failed a transplant are at increased risk of repeat transplant failure. We determined access to transplantation and transplant outcomes in patients with and without a history of transplant failure. DESIGN, SETTING, PARTICIPANTS, & MEASUREMENTS: In this observational study of national data, the proportion of waitlisted patients and deceased donor transplant recipients with transplant failure was determined before and after the new kidney allocation system. Among patients initiating maintenance dialysis between May 1995 and December 2014, the likelihood of deceased donor transplantation was determined in patients with (n=27,459) and without (n=1,426,677) a history of transplant failure. Among transplant recipients, allograft survival, the duration of additional kidney replacement therapy required within 10 years of transplantation, and the association of transplantation versus dialysis with mortality was determined in patients with and without

  • Triptolide prevents LPS-induced skeletal muscle atrophy via inhibiting NF-κB/TNF-α and regulating protein synthesis/degradation pathway

    PMID:33788266 2021 Br J Pharmacol

    BACKGROUND AND PURPOSE: Increasing evidence suggests systemic inflammation-caused skeletal muscle atrophy as a major clinical feature of cachexia. Triptolide obtained from Tripterygium wilfordii Hook F possesses potent anti-inflammatory and immunosuppressive effects. The present study aims to evaluate the protective effects and molecular mechanisms of triptolide on inflammation-induced skeletal muscle atrophy. EXPERIMENTAL APPROACH: The effects of triptolide on skeletal muscle atrophy were investigated in LPS-treated C2C12 myotubes and C57BL/6 mice. Protein expressions and mRNA levels were analysed by western blot and qPCR, respectively. Skeletal muscle mass, volume and strength were measured by histological analysis, micro-CT and grip strength, respectively. Locomotor activity was measured using the open field test. KEY RESULTS: Triptolide (10-100 fM) up-regulated protein synthesis signals (IGF-1/p-IGF-1R/IRS-1/p-Akt/p-mTOR) and down-regulated protein degradation signal atrogin-1 in C2C12 myotubes. In LPS (100 ng·ml-1 )-treated C2C12 myotubes, triptolide up-regulated MyHC, IGF-1, p-IGF-1R, IRS-1 and p-Akt. Triptolide also down-regulated ubiquitin-proteasome molecules (n-FoxO3a/atrogin-1/MuRF1), proteasome activity, autophagy-lysosomal molecules (LC3-II/LC3-I and Bnip3) and inflammatory mediators (NF-κB, Cox-2, NLRP3, IL-1β and TNF-α). However, AG1024, an IGF-1R inhibitor, suppressed triptolide-mediated effects on MyHC, myotube diameter, MuRF1 and p62 in LPS-treated C2C12 myo

  • Inflammasome inhibition prevents α-synuclein pathology and dopaminergic neurodegeneration in mice

    PMID:30381407 2018 Sci Transl Med

    Parkinson's disease (PD) is characterized by a profound loss of dopaminergic neurons in the substantia nigra, accompanied by chronic neuroinflammation, mitochondrial dysfunction, and widespread accumulation of α-synuclein-rich protein aggregates in the form of Lewy bodies. However, the mechanisms linking α-synuclein pathology and dopaminergic neuronal death to chronic microglial neuroinflammation have not been completely elucidated. We show that activation of the microglial NLR family pyrin domain containing 3 (NLRP3) inflammasome is a common pathway triggered by both fibrillar α-synuclein and dopaminergic degeneration in the absence of α-synuclein aggregates. Cleaved caspase-1 and the inflammasome adaptor protein apoptosis-associated speck-like protein containing a C-terminal caspase recruitment domain (ASC) were elevated in the substantia nigra of the brains of patients with PD and in multiple preclinical PD models. NLRP3 activation by fibrillar α-synuclein in mouse microglia resulted in a delayed but robust activation of the NLRP3 inflammasome leading to extracellular interleukin-1β and ASC release in the absence of pyroptosis. Nanomolar doses of a small-molecule NLRP3 inhibitor, MCC950, abolished fibrillar α-synuclein-mediated inflammasome activation in mouse microglial cells and extracellular ASC release. Furthermore, oral administration of MCC950 in multiple rodent PD models inhibited inflammasome activation and effectively mitigated motor deficits, nigrostriatal dopami

  • GSK872 and necrostatin-1 protect retinal ganglion cells against necroptosis through inhibition of RIP1/RIP3/MLKL pathway in glutamate-induced retinal excitotoxic model of glaucoma

    PMID:36289519 2022 J Neuroinflammation

    BACKGROUND: Glaucoma, the major cause of irreversible blindness worldwide, is characterized by progressive degeneration of retinal ganglion cells (RGCs). Current treatments for glaucoma only slow or partially prevent the disease progression, failing to prevent RGCs death and visual field defects completely. Glutamate excitotoxicity via N-methyl-D-aspartic acid (NMDA) receptors plays a vital role in RGCs death in glaucoma, which is often accompanied by oxidative stress and NLRP3 inflammasome activation. However, the exact mechanisms remain unclear. METHODS: The glutamate-induced R28 cell excitotoxicity model and NMDA-induced mouse glaucoma model were established in this study. Cell counting kit-8, Hoechst 33342/PI dual staining and lactate dehydrogenase release assay were performed to evaluate cell viability. Annexin V-FITC/PI double staining was used to detect apoptosis and necrosis rate. Reactive oxygen species (ROS) and glutathione (GSH) were used to detect oxidative stress in R28 cells. Levels of proinflammatory cytokines were measured by qRT-PCR. Transmission electron microscopy (TEM) was used to detect necroptotic morphological changes in RGCs. Retinal RGCs numbers were detected by immunofluorescence. Hematoxylin and eosin staining was used to detect retinal morphological changes. The expression levels of RIP1, RIP3, MLKL and NLRP3 inflammasome-related proteins were measured by immunofluorescence and western blotting. RESULTS: We found that glutamate excitotoxicity induc

  • The NLRP3-inflammasome inhibitor MCC950 improves cardiac function in a HFpEF mouse model

    PMID:39616735 2024 Biomed Pharmacother

    Heart failure with preserved ejection fraction (HFpEF) is posing a significant medical challenge due to its growing prevalence, high hospitalization rates and limited response to current treatment options. Accumulating evidence suggests that a comorbidity-driven systemic pro-inflammatory state, including activation of the NLRP3 inflammasome, contributes to the pathogenesis of HFpEF. This study aimed to investigate the potential cardiac protective effects of the selective NLRP3 inhibitor MCC950, in a mouse model of HFpEF. HFpEF was obtained in 18-22 months old female mice using high-fat diet (HFD) and angiotensin II (AngII) infusion. Mice developed HFpEF and comorbidities such as obesity, type 2 diabetes, and hypertension. MCC950 was added to HFD and groups were treated for four weeks until the study endpoint. MCC950 treatment resulted in lower plasma IL-18 levels (-47.3 %), illustrating target engagement. First, we observed that MCC950 treatment improved left ventricular function, demonstrated by enhanced global longitudinal strain (GLS, 3.9 %, P<0.01) and reverse peak longitudinal strain (RPLSR, +46.8 %, P<0.05). Second, MCC950 reduced cardiac hypertrophy (cardiomyocyte size -19.5 %, P<0.001) and fibrosis (-32.5 %, P<0.05), accompanied by lower expression of pro-fibrotic genes. Finally, MCC950 treatment reduced macrophage infiltration in left ventricular tissue and attenuated macrophage accumulation in visceral adipose tissue, even more as compared to caloric restriction. Ov

  • Sepsis and the Liver

    PMID:41439929 2025 Diseases

    BACKGROUND/OBJECTIVES: Sepsis-associated liver injury (SALI) is a critical and often early complication of sepsis, defined by distinct hyper-inflammatory and immunosuppressive phases that shape patient phenotypes. METHODS: Characterizing these phases establishes a foundation for immunomodulation strategies tailored to individual immune responses, as discussed subsequently. RESULTS: The initial inflammatory response activates pathways such as NF-κB and the NLRP3 inflammasome, leading to a cytokine storm that damages hepatocytes and is frequently associated with higher SOFA scores and a higher risk of 28-day mortality. Kupffer cells and infiltrating neutrophils exacerbate hepatic injury by releasing proinflammatory cytokines and reactive oxygen species, thereby causing cellular damage and prolonging ICU stays. During the subsequent immunosuppressive phase, impaired infection control and tissue repair can result in recurrent hospital-acquired infections and a poorer prognosis. Concurrently, hepatocytes undergo significant metabolic disturbances, notably impaired fatty acid oxidation due to downregulation of transcription factors such as PPARα and HNF4α. This metabolic alteration corresponds with worsening liver function tests, which may reflect the severity of liver failure in clinical practice. Mitochondrial dysfunction, driven by oxidative stress and defective autophagic quality control, impairs cellular energy production and induces hepatocyte death, which is closely linked t

  • Bone marrow vacuolization to curative strategies: Evolving paradigms in VEXAS syndrome management

    PMID:40784090 2025 Curr Res Transl Med

    VEXAS syndrome (vacuoles, E1 enzyme, X-linked alongside autoinflammatory and somatic) is a severe aggressive inflammation disorder arising in adults that results from acquired changes to the UBA1 gene. These genetic alterations lead to widespread chronic systemic inflammation, prominent features of clonal hematopoiesis, and worsening cytopenic decays alongside hematological malignancies. The grim prognosis includes survival-seeking patients facing life-threatening infections, bone marrow failure or thrombotic complications with only 76 % three-year survival rate. It mainly occurs in older men but rare cases in women stem from atypical patterns of X-chromosome inactivation. This syndrome shares characteristics with autoimmune disorders like relapsing polychondritis and blood disorders predominantly myelodysplastic syndromes. Diagnosis requires UBA1 genetic analysis and bone marrow examination which shows characteristic vacuolization in myeloid and erythroid progenitors. Current therapeutic approaches concentrate on fighting inflammation alongside supportive therapy. This includes infection control, transfusion administration, hypomethylating agents such as azacitidine, which provide the dual benefit of reducing mutant clones alongside inflammation, as well as immunosuppressive drugs, steroids, and Janus Kinase (JAK) inhibitors. Even though allogeneic hematopoietic stem cell transplantation (HSCT) remains the sole option for a cure, its extensive toxicity limits widespread appl

Evidence matrix

20 supporting 11 contradicting
65% supporting

Supporting

  • Gut microbiota-derived metabolites activate NLRP3 inflammasome in microglia, promoting neuroinflammation in AD mouse models. PMID:33875891 · 2021 · J Neuroinflammation
  • Periodontal pathogen P. gingivalis and its gingipains detected in AD brains, with NLRP3 inflammasome activation in associated microglia. PMID:30610225 · 2019 · Sci Adv
  • NLRP3 inflammasome activation in microglia drives tau hyperphosphorylation and aggregation via ASC speck seeding. PMID:31748742 · 2019 · Nature
  • Bacterial amyloids from gut microbiota cross-seed Aβ aggregation and prime NLRP3 inflammasome in TLR2-dependent manner. PMID:27519954 · 2016 · Sci Rep
  • Fecal microbiota transplant from AD patients to germ-free mice induces neuroinflammation and NLRP3-dependent cognitive impairment. PMID:33741860 · 2021 · Mol Psychiatry
  • Gut-derived short-chain fatty acids regulate microglial inflammasome priming; dysbiosis reduces protective butyrate levels. PMID:31043694 · 2019 · Nat Rev Neurosci
  • MCC950, a selective NLRP3 inhibitor, reduces Aβ accumulation and rescues cognitive function in APP/PS1 mice. PMID:29263430 · 2017 · Nat Med
  • Oral antibiotic cocktail reduces microglial NLRP3 activation and amyloid plaque burden in 5xFAD mice via gut-brain axis modulation. PMID:30679038 · 2019 · J Exp Med
  • Helicobacter pylori infection associated with increased AD risk in meta-analysis of 11 studies; eradication reduces cognitive decline trajectory. PMID:33080553 · 2020 · Eur J Neurol
  • Caspase-1 (CASP1) cleaves IL-1β and IL-18 downstream of NLRP3; genetic deletion of CASP1 is neuroprotective in tau transgenic mice. PMID:28506519 · 2017 · J Neurosci
  • Trained immunity of microglia by peripheral infection leads to sustained NLRP3 inflammasome priming and accelerated neurodegeneration months after infection resolution. PMID:29643512 · 2018 · Nature
  • Elevated expression of the NLRP3 inflammasome in post-mortem brain white matter and immune cells in multiple sclerosis. PMID:41687275 · 2026 · Mult Scler Relat Disord
  • NLRP3 Inflammasome and Polycystic Ovary Syndrome (PCOS): A Novel Profile in Adipose Tissue. PMID:41596350 · 2026 · Int J Mol Sci
  • Δ(9)-Tetrahydrocannabinol and cannabidiol selectively suppress toll-like receptor (TLR) 7- and TLR8-mediated interleukin-1β production by human CD16(+) monocytes by inhibiting its post-translational maturation. PMID:40553974 · 2025 · J Pharmacol Exp Ther
  • Nlrc4 Inflammasome Expression After Acute Myocardial Infarction in Rats. PMID:40332346 · 2025 · Int J Mol Sci
  • USP5 attenuates NLRP3 inflammasome activation by promoting autophagic degradation of NLRP3 PMID:34486483 · 2022 · Autophagy
  • USP22 suppresses the NLRP3 inflammasome by degrading NLRP3 via ATG5-dependent autophagy PMID:35900990 · 2023 · Autophagy
  • Small molecule-driven NLRP3 inflammation inhibition via interplay between ubiquitination and autophagy: implications for Parkinson disease PMID:30966861 · 2019 · Autophagy
  • The macrophage-specific V-ATPase subunit ATP6V0D2 restricts inflammasome activation and bacterial infection by facilitating autophagosome-lysosome fusion PMID:30681394 · 2019 · Autophagy
  • Andrographolide Attenuates NLRP3 Inflammasome Activation and Airway Inflammation in Exacerbation of Chronic Obstructive Pulmonary Disease PMID:38808326 · 2024 · Drug Des Devel Ther

Contradicting

  • NLRP3 inflammasome also serves protective antimicrobial functions in the CNS; complete inhibition may increase infection susceptibility. PMID:32404631 · 2020 · Immunity
  • Blood-brain barrier limits microbial products from reaching CNS; gut-brain inflammasome priming may be an indirect rather than direct mechanism. PMID:31043694 · 2019 · Nat Rev Neurosci
  • P. gingivalis detection in AD brains may reflect post-mortem artifact rather than causal pathology. PMID:31278369 · 2019 · J Alzheimers Dis
  • Microbiome composition is highly variable between individuals; identifying universal therapeutic targets for prevention is challenging. PMID:34497383 · 2021 · Nat Med
  • Long-term NLRP3 inhibition may impair peripheral innate immune surveillance and increase cancer risk. PMID:31337621 · 2019 · Nat Rev Immunol
  • Triptolide prevents LPS-induced skeletal muscle atrophy via inhibiting NF-κB/TNF-α and regulating protein synthesis/degradation pathway PMID:33788266 · 2021 · Br J Pharmacol
  • Inflammasome inhibition prevents α-synuclein pathology and dopaminergic neurodegeneration in mice PMID:30381407 · 2018 · Sci Transl Med
  • GSK872 and necrostatin-1 protect retinal ganglion cells against necroptosis through inhibition of RIP1/RIP3/MLKL pathway in glutamate-induced retinal excitotoxic model of glaucoma PMID:36289519 · 2022 · J Neuroinflammation
  • The NLRP3-inflammasome inhibitor MCC950 improves cardiac function in a HFpEF mouse model PMID:39616735 · 2024 · Biomed Pharmacother
  • Sepsis and the Liver PMID:41439929 · 2025 · Diseases
  • Bone marrow vacuolization to curative strategies: Evolving paradigms in VEXAS syndrome management PMID:40784090 · 2025 · Curr Res Transl Med

Top-ranked evidence

trust_score × relevance_score × exp(-recency_weight × recency_days / 365)

Supports · top 3

  1. #1 paper-ad4e8a28adf2 0.236 trust 0.50 · rel 0.50 · 70d
  2. #2 paper-30966861 0.236 trust 0.50 · rel 0.50 · 70d
  3. #3 paper-3c21be30397a 0.236 trust 0.50 · rel 0.50 · 70d

5 total ranked · scidex.hypotheses.evidence_ranking

Cite this hypothesis

Cite this hypothesis
Citation

etl-backfill (2026). Mitochondrial DNA-Driven AIM2 Inflammasome Activation in Neurodegeneration. SciDEX hypothesis. https://prism.scidex.ai/hypotheses/h-var-d04a952932

BibTeX 
@misc{scidex_hypothesis_hvard04a,
  title        = {Mitochondrial DNA-Driven AIM2 Inflammasome Activation in Neurodegeneration},
  author       = {etl-backfill},
  year         = {2026},
  howpublished = {SciDEX hypothesis},
  url          = {https://prism.scidex.ai/hypotheses/h-var-d04a952932},
  note         = {SciDEX artifact hypothesis:h-var-d04a952932}
}

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