Entrectinib inhibits NLRP3 inflammasome and inflammatory diseases by directly targeting NEK7

Research Progress in the Molecular Mechanism of NLRP3 Inflammasome in Alzheimer's Disease and Regulation by Natural Plant Products

Alzheimer's disease (AD) is a prominent neurodegenerative disorder affecting the central nervous system in the elderly. Current understanding of AD primarily centers on the gradual decline in cognitive and memory functions, believed to be influenced by factors including mitochondrial dysfunction, β-amyloid aggregation, and neuroinflammation. Emerging research indicates that neuroinflammation plays a significant role in the development of AD, with the inflammasome potentially mediating inflammatory responses that contribute to neurodegeneration. Recent studies in AD pathology have identified a novel form of inflammasome referred to as NOD-like receptor pyrin domain-containing 3 (NLRP3) inflammasome. Pathological alterations closely associated with NLRP3 inflammasome activation have been observed in the brain tissues of AD patients, transgenic mice, and in vitro neurocyte models. Numerous studies have demonstrated the potent neuroprotective properties of natural plant products (NPPs) against NLRP3 inflammasome-mediated AD pathology. This review provides a comprehensive examination of the NLRP3 inflammasome, its involvement in AD pathology, and the mechanisms underlying the therapeutic effects of NPP targeting the NLRP3 inflammasome.

Synovium-on-a-Chip Reveals Fibroblast-Macrophage Crosstalk Underpinning Joint Homeostasis and Evaluation of Gout Therapies

The synovium maintains joint homeostasis and regulates immune responses through fibroblast-like synoviocytes (FLS) and macrophage-like synoviocytes (MLS). However, investigation of the intricate FLS-MLS interactions is limited by the lack of physiologically relevant in vitro models. Here, this work presents a synovium-on-a-chip model that faithfully mimics the structural and functional properties of the human synovial lining, established with collagen/alginate hybrid hydrogel (CAHG). The functional phenotype of FLS observed in vivo is replicated on chip when cultured with CAHG. Moreover, co-culture with M2c macrophages derived from CD14+ monocytes enables the reconstruction of key immune functions of the synovial lining, including expression of junction proteins (ZO-1 and CLD5) and immunoregulatory markers (TREM2 and VSIG4). CD44 blockade, disrupting FLS-MLS interactions, significantly suppresses inflammasome-related pathways, underscoring the regulatory role of FLS in synovial immune responses. Our model is further validated by modeling gout, where treatment with monosodium urate crystals trigger NLRP3 inflammasome activation, macrophage polarization, and neutrophil extravasation. Pharmacological interventions with MCC950 and entrectinib effectively inhibit the inflammasome activation, demonstrating the platform's utility for preclinical drug evaluation. This synovium-on-a-chip provides a reliable in vitro model for studying synovial inflammation and serves as a valuable tool for the therapeutic discovery of inflammatory joint diseases.

Loteprednol etabonate alleviates NLRP3 inflammasome-associated inflammatory diseases in mice by suppressing the transcription of IL-1β

Excessive activation of the NLRP3 inflammasome leads to cellular inflammation and tissue damage. Finding an inhibitor of its activation is urgent need for NLRP3 inflammasome-associated inflammatory diseases. In this study, we identified Loteprednol etabonate (LE), a well-known anti-inflammatory drug for ocular conditions, as a potent inhibitor of NLRP3 inflammasome activation through screening an FDA-approved drug library. In cellular models, LE significantly reduced IL-1β transcription, suppressed NLRP3 inflammasome activation, and finally inhibited the maturation and secretion of IL-1β and GSDMD-mediated pyroptosis. Mechanistic investigations showed that LE might inhibit IL-1β transcription by blocking both NF-κB and AP-1 signaling pathways. Furthermore, in mouse models of NLRP3 inflammasome-associated inflammatory diseases, including LPS-induced sepsis and DSS-induced colitis, intraperitoneal injection of LE significantly suppressed inflammatory response and improved mice survival rate. Collectively, these findings identify LE as a novel inhibitor of NLRP3 inflammasome activation, offering a promising therapeutic strategy for the treatment of NLRP3 inflammasome-associated inflammatory diseases.

Berberine Suppresses Influenza A Virus-Triggered Pyroptosis in Macrophages via Intervening in the mtROS-MAVS-NLRP3 Inflammasome Pathway

Infection with influenza A virus (IAV) may trigger excessive inflammatory responses, leading to severe viral pneumonia and accelerating disease progression. Therefore, controlling these excessive inflammatory responses is crucial for the prevention and treatment of pneumonia caused by IAV. Berberine (BBR), an isoquinoline alkaloid extracted from traditional Chinese medicine, possesses extensive pharmacological activities. However, its immunoregulatory effects and molecular mechanisms in the context of IAV infection require further investigation. This study explored the impact of BBR on macrophage pyroptosis and inflammatory responses induced by IAV infection. Our findings revealed that BBR effectively inhibits the release of IL-1β and TNF-α induced by IAV infection and suppresses gasdermin D (GSDMD)-mediated pyroptosis in a dose-dependent manner. Further research indicates that BBR alleviates macrophage pyroptosis and inflammatory responses in IAV-infected cells by reducing the release of mitochondrial reactive oxygen species (mtROS), inhibiting mitochondrial antiviral signaling protein (MAVS) expression and blocking the activation of the NOD-like receptor family pyrin domain containing 3 (NLRP3) inflammasome. Experiments using siRNA to knockdown MAVS further confirmed the pivotal role of MAVS in BBR's inhibition of IAV-induced macrophage pyroptosis. This study provides a scientific basis for the application of BBR as an anti-inflammatory drug in the treatment of inflammatory diseases caused by IAV infection and directs future research endeavors.

Targeting NLRP3 and AIM2 signaling pathways by Viscosol alleviates metabolic dysregulations induced inflammatory responses in diabetic neuro- and nephropathy: An in silico and in vivo study

Type 2 Diabetes (T2D) is a chronic metabolic disorder, considered the fastest growing pandemic of the 21stcentury. Meta-inflammation is a pivotal characteristic of T2D. Hyperactivated PTP1B, NLRP3, and AIM2 inflammasomes are considered the major regulators of metabolic inflammation. The concept of diabetes as an inflammatory disease has changed the pathogenic vision of T2D and hence, the compounds that mitigateinflammation in the setting of T2D are under the limelight of research. Current study aimed to evaluatethe anti-inflammatory potency of Viscosol, a novel PTP1B inhibitor, isolated from Dodonaea viscosa, in the STZ-HFD-induced T2D mouse model. Herein, male mice(C57BL/6), were administrated with Streptozotocin (STZ) (40mg/kg) and Viscosol (33mg/kg), intraperitoneally. Computational profiling revealed good absorption, distribution, metabolism and excretion (ADME) properties, least toxicity, and high docking score of Viscosol with PTP1B(-6.4 kcal/mol), NLRP3(-7.2 kcal/mol), and AIM2(-7.4 kcal/mol). Viscosol treatment significantly restored normal body weight (p < 0.0001), decreased the blood glucose level (p < 0.001), serum ROS level(p < 0.05) and diminished the severity of histopathological lesions, inflammatory lobules and increased the cell count of both brain and kidney tissues. The RT-qPCR analysis showed that Viscosol significantly reduced the mRNA expression of PTP1B, NF-κB, NLRP3, and AIM2up to 2.7-folds, 2.6-folds, 5.7-folds and 14.2-folds in the kidney tissues and 1.6-folds, 1.2-folds, 10.2-folds and 1.5-folds in brain tissues. Conclusively, inhibition of PTP1B via Viscosol could attenuate meta-inflammation by suppressing the aberrant NLRP3 and AIM2 inflammasome signaling in diabetes-linked pathophysiology.

NLRP3 inflammasome in neuroinflammation and central nervous system diseases

Neuroinflammation plays an important role in the pathogenesis of various central nervous system (CNS) diseases. The NLRP3 inflammasome is an important intracellular multiprotein complex composed of the innate immune receptor NLRP3, the adaptor protein ASC, and the protease caspase-1. The activation of the NLRP3 inflammasome can induce pyroptosis and the release of the proinflammatory cytokines IL-1β and IL-18, thus playing a central role in immune and inflammatory responses. Recent studies have revealed that the NLRP3 inflammasome is activated in the brain to induce neuroinflammation, leading to further neuronal damage and functional impairment, and contributes to the pathological process of various neurological diseases, such as multiple sclerosis, Parkinson's disease, Alzheimer's disease, and stroke. In this review, we summarize the important role of the NLRP3 inflammasome in the pathogenesis of neuroinflammation and the pathological course of CNS diseases and discuss potential approaches to target the NLRP3 inflammasome for the treatment of CNS diseases.

Selective and Potent Molecular Glue Degraders for NIMA-Related Kinase 7

Molecular glue degraders (MGDs) represent a promising strategy for targeted protein degradation within cells. While chemoproteomics has unveiled hundreds of potential MGD targets, very few proteins are degraded by highly selective and potent MGDs. Here, we developed a novel glutarimide analog with a tetrahydroimidazo[1,2-a]pyrazine scaffold that exhibited strong NIMA-related kinase 7 (NEK7) degradation potential. Further optimization led to the identification of LC-04-045 as a leading NEK7 MGD candidate, demonstrating potent activity with a half-maximal degradation (DC50) of 7 nM and a maximum degradation (Dmax) of 90 % in MOLT-4 cells. Notably, LC-04-045 displayed high selectivity for NEK7 across the proteome. Mechanistic studies indicated that the degradation was mediated by the ubiquitin-proteasome system (UPS) and relied on the glycine 57 (G57)-containing degron motif in NEK7. Additionally, two amino acids adjacent to the degron motif were found to be crucial for modulating the compound's selectivity and potency, underscoring the significance of neighbouring residues in MGD design. Moreover, LC-04-045 effectively inhibited secretion of the downstream cytokines, including IL-1β and IL-18, highlighting the potential therapeutic applications of NEK7 MGDs in treating inflammatory diseases.

Preventing NLRP3 inflammasome activation: Therapeutic atrategy and challenges in atopic dermatitis

Atopic dermatitis (AD) is a prevalent inflammatory skin disorder characterized by its chronic, persistent, and recurrent nature. The pathophysiology of this condition is complex, involving various factors including cell-mediated immune responses, compromised skin barrier function, and alterations in hypersensitivity reactions. These components synergistically contribute to the perpetuation of the bothersome "itch-scratch-itch" cycle. Recent research has highlighted the significant role of the NLRP3 inflammasome in the development of AD and other inflammatory conditions. Current research indicates that the NLRP3 inflammasome plays a pivotal role in both the acute and chronic phases of AD by modulating the Th2/Th1 immune deviation. Moreover, the pharmacological suppression of NLRP3 has shown promising results in mitigating the pathological aspects of AD. This review outlines potential drug development strategies that target the NLRP3 inflammasome as a therapeutic approach for AD and the challenges faced in this endeavor.

The role of the interplay between macrophage glycolytic reprogramming and NLRP3 inflammasome activation in acute lung injury/acute respiratory distress syndrome

Acute lung injury (ALI)/acute respiratory distress syndrome (ARDS) is a severe respiratory condition associated with elevated morbidity and mortality. Understanding their complex pathophysiological mechanisms is crucial for developing new preventive and therapeutic strategies. Recent studies highlight the significant role of inflammation involved in ALI/ARDS, particularly the hyperactivation of the NOD-like receptor thermal protein domain-associated protein 3 (NLRP3) inflammasome in macrophages. This activation drives pulmonary inflammation by releasing inflammatory signalling molecules and is linked to metabolic reprogramming, marked by increased glycolysis and reduced oxidative phosphorylation. However, the relationship between NLRP3 inflammasome activation and macrophage glycolytic reprogramming in ALI/ARDS, as well as the molecular mechanisms regulating these processes, remain elusive. This review provides a detailed description of the interactions and potential mechanisms linking NLRP3 inflammasome activation with macrophage glycolytic reprogramming, proposing that glycolytic reprogramming may represent a promising therapeutic target for mitigating inflammatory responses in ALI/ARDS. KEY POINTS: NLRP3 inflammasome activation is pivotal in mediating the excessive inflammatory response in ALI/ARDS. Glycolytic reprogramming regulates NLRP3 inflammasome activation. Therapeutic potential of targeting glycolytic reprogramming to inhibit NLRP3 inflammasome activation in ALI/ARDS.

Unraveling the NLRP family: Structure, function, activation, critical influence on tumor progression, and potential as targets for cancer therapy

The innate immune system serves as the body's initial defense, swiftly detecting danger via pattern recognition receptors (PRRs). Among these, nucleotide-binding oligomerization domain-like receptor family pyrin domain-containing proteins (NLRPs) are pivotal in recognizing pathogen-associated and damage-associated molecular patterns, thereby triggering immune responses. NLRPs, the most extensively studied subset within the NLR family, form inflammasomes that regulate inflammation, essential for innate immunity activation. Recent research highlights NLRPs' significant impact on various human diseases, including cancer. With differential expression across organs, NLRPs influence cancer progression by modulating immune reactions, cell fate, and proliferation. Their clinical significance in cancer makes them promising therapeutic targets. This review provides a comprehensive overview of the structure, function, activation mechanism of the NLRPs family and its potential role in cancer progression. In addition, we particularly focused on the concept of NLRP as a therapeutic target and its potential value in combination with immune checkpoint inhibitors.

Identification of a covalent NEK7 inhibitor to alleviate NLRP3 inflammasome-driven metainflammation

Aberrant activation of NLRP3 inflammasome is associated with a variety of inflammatory diseases. Advances in understanding the molecular mechanisms of NLRP3 inflammasome have revealed that NEK7 is an essential component for its activation, but the development of drugs specifically targeting NEK7 remains challenging. Here we identify rociletinib (ROC), an anticancer drug in phase III clinical trial with high safety profile, as a highly potent and specific small-molecule antagonists of NEK7. Mechanistically, ROC covalent binds to the cysteine 79 of NEK7 through its reactive α, β-unsaturated carbonyl group, thereby inhibiting the interaction between NLRP3 and NEK7, and the subsequent assembly and activation of NLRP3 inflammasome. Furthermore, ROC alleviates the pathological features of metainflammation on the mouse model of type 2 diabetes (T2D). In summary, our results identify ROC as a covalent inhibitor of NEK7 and demonstrates that targeting NEK7 provides a potential and promising strategy for the treatment of NLRP3 inflammasome-driven T2D.

Discovery and Development of NLRP3 Inhibitors Targeting the LRR Domain to Disrupt NLRP3-NEK7 Interaction for the Treatment of Rheumatoid Arthritis

Rheumatoid arthritis (RA) is a chronic autoimmune disease. Targeting NLRP3 inflammasome, specifically its interaction with NEK7 via the LRR domain of NLRP3, is a promising therapeutic strategy. Our research aimed to disrupt this interaction by focusing on the LRR domain. Through virtual screening, we identified five compounds with potent anti-inflammatory effects and ideal LRR binding affinity. Lead compound C878-1943 underwent structural optimization, yielding pyridoimidazole derivatives with different anti-inflammatory activities. Compound I-19 from the initial series effectively inhibited caspase-1 and IL-1β release in an adjuvant-induced arthritis (AIA) rat model, significantly reducing joint swelling and spleen/thymus indices. To further enhance potency and extend in vivo half-life, a second series including II-8 was developed, demonstrating superior efficacy and longer half-life. Both I-19 and II-8 bind to the LRR domain, inhibiting NLRP3 inflammasome activation. These findings introduce novel small molecule inhibitors targeting the LRR domain of NLRP3 protein and disrupt NLRP3-NEK7 interaction, offering a novel approach for RA treatment.

The Impact of NLRP3 Inflammasome on Osteoblasts and Osteogenic Differentiation: A Literature Review

Osteoblasts (OBs), which are a crucial type of bone cells, derive from bone marrow mesenchymal stem cells (MSCs). Accumulating evidence suggests inflammatory cytokines can inhibit the differentiation and proliferation of OBs, as well as interfere with their ability to synthesize bone matrix, under inflammatory conditions. NLRP3 inflammasome is closely associated with cellular pyroptosis, which can lead to excessive release of pro-inflammatory cytokines, causing tissue damage and inflammatory responses, however, the comprehensive roles of NLRP3 inflammasome in OBs and their differentiation have not been fully elucidated, making targeting NLRP3 inflammasome approaches to treat diseases related to OBs uncertain. In this review, we provide a summary of NLRP3 inflammasome activation and its impact on OBs. We highlight the significant roles of NLRP3 inflammasome in regulating OBs differentiation and function. Furthermore, current available strategies to affect OBs function and osteogenic differentiation targeting NLRP3 inflammasome are listed and analyzed. Finally, through the prospective discussion, we seek to provide novel insights into the crucial role of NLRP3 inflammasome in diseases related to OBs and offer valuable information for devising treatment strategies.

NLRP inflammasomes in health and disease

NLRP inflammasomes are a group of cytosolic multiprotein oligomer pattern recognition receptors (PRRs) involved in the recognition of pathogen-associated molecular patterns (PAMPs) and danger-associated molecular patterns (DAMPs) produced by infected cells. They regulate innate immunity by triggering a protective inflammatory response. However, despite their protective role, aberrant NLPR inflammasome activation and gain-of-function mutations in NLRP sensor proteins are involved in occurrence and enhancement of non-communicating autoimmune, auto-inflammatory, and neurodegenerative diseases. In the last few years, significant advances have been achieved in the understanding of the NLRP inflammasome physiological functions and their molecular mechanisms of activation, as well as therapeutics that target NLRP inflammasome activity in inflammatory diseases. Here, we provide the latest research progress on NLRP inflammasomes, including NLRP1, CARD8, NLRP3, NLRP6, NLRP7, NLRP2, NLRP9, NLRP10, and NLRP12 regarding their structural and assembling features, signaling transduction and molecular activation mechanisms. Importantly, we highlight the mechanisms associated with NLRP inflammasome dysregulation involved in numerous human auto-inflammatory, autoimmune, and neurodegenerative diseases. Overall, we summarize the latest discoveries in NLRP biology, their forming inflammasomes, and their role in health and diseases, and provide therapeutic strategies and perspectives for future studies about NLRP inflammasomes.