Monosodium urate (MSU) or uric acid is the aetiological agent of the acute inflammatory condition gout [1]. Notably, research has demonstrated that MSU crystals induce the release of interleukin (IL)-1β in response to the activation of the NLRP3 (also known as NALP3 or cryopyrin) inflammasome [1, 2]. The NLRP3 inflammasome is an intracellular multi-protein complex that plays a central role in innate immunity.
Mode of action:
MSU crystals can act as endogenous danger signals that stimulate the innate immune system to produce inflammatory cytokines such as IL-1β [1]. MSU crystals were shown to activate caspase-1, which is required for IL-1β maturation, through the NRLP3 (NALP3) inflammasome [2]. The NLRP3 inflammasome is a caspase-1-activating complex comprising the NLR protein NLRP3 and the adaptor ASC [2]. Involvement of the inflammasome is suggested by the finding that macrophages from mice deficient in various components of the inflammasome are defective in crystal-induced IL-1β induction [1].
KEY FEATURES OF MSU CRYSTALS:
- Potent inducer of the NLRP3 inflammasome
- Each lot is functionally tested
Read our review on the NLRP3 inflammasome.
Download our Practical guide on Inflammasomes.
References:
- Martinon F. et al., 2006. Gout-associated uric acid crystals activate the NALP3 inflammasome. Nature. 440(7081):237-41.
- Martinon F, & Tschopp J., 2004. Inflammatory caspases: linking an intracellular innate immune system to autoinflammatory diseases. Cell. 117(5):561-74.
