The inflammasome in liver disease

Inflammation is a common feature of most chronic liver diseases. Molecules derived from microbial or viral pathogens, commonly known as pathogen-associated molecular patterns (PAMPs), or sterile stimuli released from damaged hepatic cells, known as damage-associated molecular patterns (DAMPs) can trigger the activation of inflammation [1]. Inflammasomes are multi-protein complexes expressed in different hepatic cells, and are characterized by a nucleotide-binding oligomerization domain (NOD)-like receptors (NLR), the sensor component of the inflammasome system. NLRs form complexes with effector molecules, e.g., pro-caspase-1, and adapter molecules, e.g., apoptosis-associated speck like CARD-domain containing protein (ASC).