Colitis induced in mice with dextran sulfate sodium (DSS) is mediated by the NLRP3 inflammasome

Background The proinflammatory cytokines interleukin 1β (IL-1β) and IL-18 are central players in the pathogenesis of inflammatory bowel disease (IBD). In response to a variety of microbial components and crystalline substances, both cytokines are processed via the caspase-1-activating multiprotein complex, the NLRP3 inflammasome. Here, the role of the NLRP3 inflammasome in experimental colitis induced by dextran sodium sulfate (DSS) was examined. Methods IL-1β production in response to DSS was studied in macrophages of wild-type, caspase-1 −/− , NLRP3 −/− , ASC −/− , cathepsin B −/− or cathepsin L −/− mice. Colitis was induced in C57BL/6 and NLRP3 −/− mice by oral DSS administration. A clinical disease…

• DF
  Deutsche Forschungsgemeinschaft

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• DK
  Deutsche Krebshilfe