NLRP3 inflammasome in depression: A review

Int Immunopharmacol. 2023 Apr:117:109916. doi: 10.1016/j.intimp.2023.109916. Epub 2023 Feb 22.

Abstract

The present article provides a detailed concept of the role of NLRP3 inflammasome in the pathophysiology of depression-like chronic diseases where inflammation and release of various cytokines plays a pivotal role in exaggerating the condition. The various pathways involved in NLRP3 activation are the main target of NLRP3 inhibitors for the therapeutic management of depression as per the recent clinical and research studies conducted so far. Further various drug inhibitors for NLRP3 available in preclinical and clinical trials have been discussed in detail. Hence, blockage of the action of NLRP3 inflammasome is crucial to anticipate the inflammatory cytokine release from the mediators that contributes to cause depression.

Keywords: Caspase; Cytokine; Depression; Inflammation; NLRP3; Pathways.

Publication types

  • Review

MeSH terms

  • Depression / drug therapy
  • Depression / metabolism
  • Humans
  • Inflammasomes* / metabolism
  • Inflammation / metabolism
  • NLR Family, Pyrin Domain-Containing 3 Protein* / metabolism

Substances

  • Inflammasomes
  • NLR Family, Pyrin Domain-Containing 3 Protein