NLRP3 inflammasome: an important therapeutic target for SARS-CoV-2 infection / 中华微生物学和免疫学杂志

ABSTRACT

SARS-CoV-2, the pathogen of the COVID-19 pandemic, causes serious damage to human health and social stability. In severe COVID-19 cases, the infection triggers cytokine storm, resulting in multi-organ excessive inflammatory responses and even failure, which eventually leads to death. Recent studies have shown the activation of nucleotide-binding oligomerization domain-like receptor containing pyrin domain 3 (NLRP3) inflammasome plays an essential role in the pathogenesis of COVID-19. SARS-CoV-2 can activate NLRP3 inflammasome through several pathways, thereby inducing the release of a large number of pro-inflammatory cytokines. This article reviews the activation of NLRP3 inflammasome caused by SARS-CoV-2 infection and the possible molecular mechanisms, and summarizes the progress in targeted inhibition of NLRP3 inflammation, aiming to provide a new strategy for the treatment of SARS-CoV-2 infection.