From the Guidelines
Cytosolic DNA activates the Absent In Melanoma 2 (AIM2) inflammasome.
Activation Mechanism
- The AIM2 inflammasome is a multiprotein platform that involves the adaptor protein ASC and is activated by cytosolic DNA [ 1 ].
- This activation leads to the proteolytic maturation and release of pyrogenic interleukin-1β (IL-1β) and IL-18, which are proinflammatory factors [ 1 ].
Key Factors
- Cytosolic DNA is a key factor in the activation of the AIM2 inflammasome, promoting the secretion of type I IFN and other proinflammatory factors [ 1 ].
- Other nucleic acids, such as cytosolic RNA, can also promote the secretion of type I IFN and other proinflammatory factors, but through different receptors like MDA5, RIG-I, and TLR3 [ 1 ].
From the Research
Activation of AIM2 Inflammasome
The AIM2 inflammasome is activated by the recognition of double-stranded DNA (dsDNA) from various sources, including:
Mechanism of Activation
The activation of the AIM2 inflammasome involves the assembly of a multi-protein complex composed of:
- AIM2 (absent in melanoma 2) 2, 5, 4, 3
- ASC (apoptosis-associated speck-like protein containing a CARD) 2, 5, 4, 3
- Procaspase-1 2, 5, 4, 3 The recognition of dsDNA by AIM2 triggers the formation of this complex, leading to the activation of caspase-1 and the subsequent maturation of pro-inflammatory cytokines and pyroptotic cell death 2, 5, 4, 3, 6
Regulation of AIM2 Inflammasome
The activation of the AIM2 inflammasome is tightly regulated by multiple cellular factors to prevent autoinflammation 2 The regulation of the AIM2 inflammasome involves the control of its assembly and activation, as well as the modulation of its activity by various cellular mechanisms 5, 4, 6