DEEP WORK

VIRUSESViruses enter the host cell to hijack the machinery necessary for viral replication. Viral PAMPs can trigger innate immune responses either on the host cell surface, within the endosome, or in the cytoplasm.  Emerging evidence also suggests that innate immune detection might occur in the nucleus. Inflammasome sensors are activated in response to both DNA and RNA viruses, ensuring efficien..

\ GENERAL OVERVIEW OF INFLAMMASOME SENSING AND SIGNALING  Several cytoplasmic innate immune sensors form inflammasome complexes in response to PAMPs and DAMPs, including AIM2, NAIP, NLRC4, NLRP1, NLRP3, Pyrin, and caspase-11 (Fig. 1); further, mouse NLRP6, NLRP9b, and NLRP12 and human NLRP2, NLRP7, and IFN-inducible protein 16 (IFI16) have also been proposed to activate caspase-1 (5), although t..

INTRODUCTIONBacteria, fungi, viruses, and protozoa are capable of causing infection, potentially leading to death of the host. The host immune system acts as a guardian and defends the body from challenge by pathogens. Both innate and adaptive immune systems contribute to the killing and clearance of invading microbes. Pattern recognition receptors (PRRs) of the innate immune system initiate sen..