Innate Immunity: Cytoplasmic DNA Sensing by the AIM2 Inflammasome

Innate Immunity: Cytoplasmic DNA Sensing by the AIM2 Inflammasome

Cytoplasmic double-stranded DNA triggers cell death and secretion of the pro-inflammatory cytokine IL-1beta in macrophages. Recent reports now describe the mechanism underlying this observation. Upon sensing of DNA, the HIN-200 family member AIM2 triggers the assembly of the inflammasome, culminating in caspase-1 activation, IL-1beta maturation and pyroptotic cell death.

Activates the Inflammasome via Aim2 Cutting Edge: Cytosolic Bacterial DNA

Microbial DNA regulates intestinal homeostasis via the AIM2 inflammasome

Absent in melanoma 2 (AIM2) is a cytosolic DNA sensor which upon activation assembles a multiprotein complex called the inflammasome. Previous studies have shown that several inflammasome-forming pattern recognition receptors exhibit a protective function against inflammatory bowel disease and colorectal cancer. However, the role of AIM2 in sensing intestinal microbial DNA and regulating inflam...

Listeria monocytogenes is sensed by the NLRP3 and AIM2 inflammasome.

The inflammasome pathway functions to regulate caspase-1 activation in response to a broad range of stimuli. Caspase-1 activation is required for the maturation of the pivotal pro-inflammatory cytokines of the pro-IL-1beta family. In addition, caspase-1 activation leads to a certain type of cell death known as pyroptosis. Activation of the inflammasome has been shown to play a critical role in ...

Pyroptotic neuronal cell death mediated by the AIM2 inflammasome.

The central nervous system (CNS) is an active participant in the innate immune response to infection and injury. In these studies, we show embryonic cortical neurons express a functional, deoxyribonucleic acid (DNA)-responsive, absent in melanoma 2 (AIM2) inflammasome that activates caspase-1. Neurons undergo pyroptosis, a proinflammatory cell death mechanism characterized by the following: (a)...