INFLAMMATORY PROTEIN CASPASE-1 PLAYS A CRUCIAL ROLE IN THE IMMUNE RESPONSE DURING MICROBIAL INFECTIONS

Caspase-1 is a proteolytic enzyme that mediates the immune response in physiological and pathological states, including infections. Activation of caspase-1 is linked to the production of cytokines. Caspase-1 induces pyroptosis by cleaving the protein Gasdermin D (GSDMD), a pore-forming protein that perforates the plasma membrane. Caspase-1 limits the replication of microorganisms by activating the innate immune response. Microorganisms activate inflammasomes that participate in the exacerbation of cytokine production, causing a worsening of the infectious state. Caspase-1 is derived from the inactive molecule pro-caspase-1 and is activated by the inflammasome complex which in turn is activated by both exogenous and endogenous danger signals to the cell, activating NOD-like receptor family, pyrin domain containing 3 (NLRP3). Caspase-1 mediates the formation of IL-1β which, by binding to its receptor IL-1R, activates the cascade that leads to the formation of NF-kB, with generation of inflammatory cytokines and adhesion molecules such as ICAM-1.