Molecular Mechanism of Inflammasome Activation: Implications in Physiological and Pathological Conditions

Dear Colleagues,

Research has overcome barriers and set new milestones in the life sciences by providing new tools for understanding many pathophysiological phenomena. In recent years, a topic of great interest has been the inflammasomes and their role in the cellular microenvironment.

Inflammasomes are oligomeric molecular platforms whose hyperactivation is due to genetic or environmental insult. To date, at least six different inflammasome signaling platforms have been reported, and they are involved in the signaling pathways of the innate immune system and in inflammatory reactions. Inflammasomes modulate the cytoskeleton, the production and maturation of cytokines, and cell death. Further, they play a key role in infections, autoimmune diseases, carcinogenesis and cancer progression, as well as cardiovascular and metabolic diseases. Inflammasome activity can also be influenced by variables such as the gastrointestinal microbiota, contributing to the progression of some diseases. The involvement of inflammasomes in numerous chronic-inflammation-related diseases increases interest in investigations regarding their place and use in clinical settings in the future, for the development of new prognostic/predictive biomarkers and therapeutic targets. This Special Issue focuses on the molecular mechanisms of inflammasomes activation and regulation, on the various pathway triggered, and on biological processes in physiological and pathological contexts. Contributions to this Issue can include original articles, reviews, short communications, and editorials.

Dr. Concetta Saponaro
Dr. Raffaella Soleti
Dr. Simona De Summa
Dr. Antonia Cianciulli
Guest Editors

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