NLRP3, the inflammasome and COVID-19 infection.

ABSTRACT

Severe coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) is characterized by respiratory failure, shock, or multiorgan dysfunction, often accompanied by systemic hyperinflammation and dysregulated cytokine release. These features are linked to the intense and rapid stimulation of the innate immune response. The NLRP3 inflammasome is a central player in inflammatory macrophage activation which via caspase-1 activation leads to the release of the mature forms of the pro-inflammatory cytokines IL-1ß and IL-18, and via cleavage of Gasdermin D pyroptosis, an inflammatory form of cell death. Here we discuss the role of NLRP3 activation in COVID-19 and clinical trials currently underway to target NLRP3 to treat severe COVID-19.