Contribution of inflammasome complex in inflammatory-related eye disorders and its implications for anti-inflammasome therapy

Abstract

Inflammasome complex is regarded as a major molecular regulator that exerts a significant function in caspase-1 activation and consequently, the development of cytokines like interleukin-1β (IL-1β) and interleukin-18 (IL-18). The secretion of these cytokines may induce inflammation. The role of inflammasomes in the pathologic process of eye-related illnesses like glaucoma, age-related macular degeneration (AMD), and diabetic retinopathy has been well studied over the past decade. However, the detailed pathogenic mechanism of inflammasomes in these retinal diseases is still unknown. Therefore, further investigation and understanding various aspects of inflammasome complexes as well as their pivotal roles in the immunopathology of human ocular illnesses are essential. The present review aims to describe the significant involvement of inflammasomes in the immunopathology of important inflammatory retinal illnesses, including glaucoma, age-related macular degeneration (AMD), and diabetic retinopathy focusing on anti-inflammasome therapy as a promising approach in the treatment of inflammation-related eye diseases.

Keywords:

• Diabetic retinopathy
• glaucoma
• IL-1β
• inflammasome
• macular degeneration

Acknowledgements

The authors thank all staff of Immunoregulation Research Center, Health Research Institute, Babol University of Medical Sciences, Babol, Iran.

Author contributions

Seyed Ahmad Rasoulinejad, Ahmad Karkhah, Kiarash Saleki, Marzieh Pirzadeh, and Alireza Paniridrafted the manuscript. Ahmad Karkhah, Kiarash Saleki, Marzieh Pirzadeh and Alireza Paniri collected the relevant literature. Hamid Reza Nouri collected the relevant literature and revised the manuscript. All authors have read and approved the finalized manuscript.

Consent for publication

All authors agreed to publish this manuscript on the Immunopharmacology and Immunotoxicology.

Disclosure statement

No potential conflict of interest was reported by the author(s).

Availability of data and materials

The datasets used and/or analyzed during the current study are available from the corresponding author on reasonable request.

Additional information

Funding

This work was supported by deputy for research and technology of Babol University of Medical Sciences.