Potential Role of Inflammasomes in Aging
Gilyoung Lee, Gilyoung Lee, Geun-Shik Lee, Geun-Shik Lee
Abstract
The aging process is associated with the emergence of low-grade, sterile inflammation, called inflammaging, which can accelerate aging-related diseases, such as neurodegenerative, cardiovascular, and musculoskeletal diseases. Recent studies have focused on the novel concept that inflammasomes represent a key innate immune pathway, mechanistically participating in aging-induced stress recognition. This review summarizes the advancements in inflammasome research related to aging. Particular attention is given to the close relationship between aging and inflammasomes and how these processes impact the health of the elderly. Inflammaging has various causes, such as metabolic disorders, changes in the gut microbiota, and immunosenescence. Hence, the connection between inflammasomes and these causes must be explored. This paper describes inflammasomes as a significant contributing factor among the mechanisms that make individuals susceptible to aging-related diseases and discusses the potential role of inflammasome regulation in effectively counteracting aging.