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While the functional importance of inflammasomes in blood-derived cell types is well established, it remains poorly understood how inflammasomes in nonhematopoietic cells contribute to mucosal immunity. Recent studies have revealed functional roles of inflammasomes - particularly NAIP/NLRC4, NLRP6, and noncanonical caspase-4 (caspase-11) - within epithelial cells of the gut in mucosal immune defense, inflammation, and tumorigenesis. Here, we review and discuss these findings in the broader context of tissue compartment-specific mucosal immunity. We propose several models whereby activities of the intestinal epithelial inflammasomes converge on mechanisms to remove compromised epithelial cells, maintain host-microbiota mutualism, and communicate with immune cells of the underlying lamina propria.

Original publication

DOI

10.1016/j.it.2015.06.002

Type

Journal article

Journal

Trends Immunol

Publication Date

08/2015

Volume

36

Pages

442 - 450

Keywords

NLRP3, caspase-1, extrusion, innate immunity, intestinal epithelial cell (IEC), mucus, Animals, Humans, Immunity, Mucosal, Inflammasomes, Intestinal Mucosa