Knockdown of USF2 inhibits pyroptosis of podocytes and attenuates kidney injury in lupus nephritis

NLRP3 inflammasome and its role in autoimmune diseases: A promising therapeutic target

The NOD-like receptor protein 3 (NLRP3) inflammasome is a protein complex that regulates innate immune responses by activating caspase-1 and the inflammatory cytokines IL-1β and IL-18. Numerous studies have highlighted its crucial role in the pathogenesis and development of inflammatory bowel disease, rheumatoid arthritis, systemic lupus erythematosus, autoimmune thyroid diseases, and other autoimmune diseases. Therefore, investigating the underlying mechanisms of NLRP3 in disease and targeted drug therapies holds clinical significance. This review summarizes the structure, assembly, and activation mechanisms of the NLRP3 inflammasome, focusing on its role and involvement in various autoimmune diseases. This review also identifies studies where the involvement of the NLRP3 inflammasome in the disease mechanism within the same disease appears contradictory, as well as differences in NLRP3-related gene polymorphisms among different ethnic groups. Additionally, the latest therapeutic advances in targeting the NLRP3 inflammasome for autoimmune diseases are outlined, and novel clinical perspectives are discussed. Conclusively, this review provides a consolidated source of information on the NLRP3 inflammasome and may guide future research efforts that have the potential to positively impact patient outcomes.

Transcription Factors in the Pathogenesis of Lupus Nephritis and Their Targeted Therapy

Systemic lupus erythematosus (SLE) is a prototype inflammatory autoimmune disease, characterized by breakdown of immunotolerance to self-antigens. Renal involvement, known as lupus nephritis (LN), is one of the leading causes of morbidity and a significant contributor to mortality in SLE. Despite current pathophysiological advances, further studies are needed to fully understand complex mechanisms underlying the development and progression of LN. Transcription factors (TFs) are proteins that regulate the expression of genes and play a crucial role in the development and progression of LN. The mechanisms of TF promoting or inhibiting gene expression are complex, and studies have just begun to reveal the pathological roles of TFs in LN. Understanding TFs in the pathogenesis of LN can provide valuable insights into this disease's mechanisms and potentially lead to the development of targeted therapies for its management. This review will focus on recent findings on TFs in the pathogenesis of LN and newly developed TF-targeted therapy in renal inflammation.