SiO2 nanoparticles (Nano-SiO2) are single particles of silica dioxide, an inorganic metal oxide, with a diameter of less than 100 nm. Several studies have demonstrated that Nano-SiO2 triggers interleukin-1β (IL-1β) secretion in vitro and in vivo [1, 2]. IL-1β is produced as a pro-protein which is proteolytically processed to its active form by caspase-1. The secretion of IL-1β is an indicator of the NLRP3 inflammasome induction.
The NLRP3 inflammasome is an intracellular multi-protein complex that plays a central role in innate immunity [3, 4]. It is activated by a two-step process; a first signal (‘priming’) is provided by microbial molecules such as lipopolysaccharide (LPS), while the second signal is provided by a wide array of stimuli including bacterial toxins, endogenous molecules, crystals or nanoparticles such as Nano-SiO2. This triggers inflammasome multimerization and caspase-1 activation with the subsequent maturation and secretion of IL-1β and IL-18. Research has confirmed that the IL-1β secretion and pro-inflammatory activity of Nano-SiO2 are mediated by the NLRP3 inflammasome [1, 2].
InvivoGen’s Nano-SiO2 is designed for in vitro assays. Its ability to induce the NLRP3 inflammasome has been validated using THP-1 Null cells.
Features of Nano-SiO2:
- Potent inducer of the NLRP3 inflammasome
- Nanoparticles with a diameter of <100 nm Each lot is functionally tested
- Read our review on NLRP3 inflammasome
References:
- Nakayama M. et al., 2018. Macrophage recognition of crystals and nanoparticles. Front Immunol. 9:103.
- He Y. et al., 2016. NEK7 is an essential mediator of NLRP3 activation downstream of potassium efflux. Nature. 530(7590):354-7.
- Li H. et al., 2008. Cutting Edge: Inflammasome activation by Alum and Alum’s adjuvant effect are mediated by NLRP3. J Immunol. 181:17-21.
- Hornung V. et al., 2008. Silica crystals and aluminium salts activate the NALP3 inflammasome through phagosomal destabilization. Nature Immunol. 9:847-856.
