NLRP3 inflammasome activation: CD36 serves double duty

Abstract

Recent studies implicate the NLRP3 inflammasome pathway in elaborating sterile inflammation. CD36 serves a dual role by priming Il1b transcription and inducing assembly of the NLRP3 inflammasome complex, leading to the release of active IL-1β.

Figure 1. Role of CD36 in activating the NLRP3 inflammasome in the absence of infection

CD36 and the TLR4-TLR6 heterodimer recognize oxLDL, which accumulates in atherosclerotic lesions. This interaction initiates a signaling pathway that leads to transcriptional upregulation of NLRP3 and pro-IL-1β (signal 1). CD36 also mediates internalization of oxLDL into the lysosomal compartment, where the ligands are converted into crystals that induce lysosomal rupture and NLRP3 inflammasome activation (signal 2).