INF39 is a nontoxic, irreversible inhibitor of the nucleotide-binding oligomerization domain, leucine-rich repeat and pyrin domain containing protein 3 (NLRP3). NLRP3 is an intracellular sensor that detects a variety of endogenous danger signals, microbial motifs as well as environmental irritants, resulting in the formation and activation of the NLRP3 inflammasome. Assembly of the NLRP3 inflammasome leads to caspase 1-dependent release of pro-inflammatory cytokines (e.g. IL-1β and IL-18), as well as to gasdermin D-induced pyroptotic cell death. Pharmacological inhibition of NLRP3 inflammasome activation has been shown to offer a new option in the treatment of inflammatory bowel disease.

References:

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