Targeting the Inflammasome in Cardiovascular Disease
Maria Belland Olsen, Ida Gregersen, Øystein Sandanger, Kuan Yang, Marina Sokolova, Bente Evy Halvorsen, Lars Gullestad, Kaspar Broch, Pål Aukrust, Mieke C. Louwe
Abstract
The pathogenesis of cardiovascular disease (CVD) is complex and multifactorial, and inflammation plays a central role. Inflammasomes are multimeric protein complexes that are activated in a 2-step manner in response to infection or tissue damage. Upon activation the proinflammatory cytokines, interleukins-1β and -18 are released. In the last decade, the evidence that inflammasome activation plays an important role in CVD development became stronger. We discuss the role of different inflammasomes in the pathogenesis of CVD, focusing on atherosclerosis and heart failure. This review also provides an overview of existing experimental studies and clinical trials on inflammasome inhibition as a therapeutic target in these disorders.