This volume details our current understanding of the architecture and signaling capabilities of known canonical and non-canonical inflammasome complexes and highlights their action, in particular in response to infection with important bacterial model organisms and the corresponding disease pathologies. The first chapters review new insights into the assembly and structures of inflammasome components and emphasize general strategies of up- and downstream signaling events. In addition, the authors specifically discuss the composition and activity of inflammasomes during infection with various gut pathogens (Salmonella, Shigella, Yersinia, Listeria and Helicobacter), respiratory pathogens (Mycobacterium, Legionella, Burkholderia and Streptococcus) as well as skin and soft tissue pathogens (Francisella and Staphylococcus). The discoveries presented provide a better understanding of the cellular and molecular biology of inflammasomes, which will pinpoint important new therapeutic targets for the treatment and prevention of multiple infectious diseases in the future. It is a valuable resource for students, scientists and clinicians, providing up-to-date information on this emerging research topic.
General strategies in inflammasome biology (overview).- Structural
mechanisms in inflammasome assembly and signaling.- Salmonella enterica
inflammasome.- Yersinia pestis inflammasome.- Shigella flexneri
inflammasome.- Helicobacter pylori inflammasome.- Listeria monocytogenes
inflammasome.- Legionella pneumophila inflammasome.- Mycobacterium
inflammasome.- Burkholderia pseudomallei inflammasome.- Streptococcus
pneumoniae inflammasome.- Franciscella tularensis
inflammasome.- Staphylococcus aureus inflammasome.
Steffen Backert is a professor at Erlangen/Nuremberg University (Germany), Chair of Microbiology.