What is "inflammasome"

n. (context biochemistry English) A multi-protein complex that is responsible for inflammatory rheumatic diseases via activation of caspases

The inflammasome is a multiprotein oligomer consisting of caspase 1, PYCARD, NALP and sometimes caspase 5 (also known as caspase 11 or ICH-3). It is expressed in myeloid cells and is a component of the innate immune system. The exact composition of an inflammasome depends on the activator which initiates inflammasome assembly, e.g. dsRNA will trigger one inflammasome composition whereas asbestos will assemble a different variant. The inflammasome promotes the maturation of the inflammatory cytokines Interleukin 1β (IL-1β) and Interleukin 18 (IL-18).

The inflammasome is responsible for activation of inflammatory processes, and has been shown to induce cell pyroptosis, a process of programmed cell death distinct from apoptosis.