The Nod-like receptor protein 3 (NLRP3) inflammasome plays a vital role in
the nonspecific immune response to inflammatory triggers such as cellular infections,
injury, or stressors, and it has also been associated with several inflammation-related
diseases. NLRP3 inflammasome activation results in the production of
proinflammatory cytokines, contributing to an increased risk of inflammatory
conditions, such as cardiovascular, metabolic, infectious, and neurodegenerative
diseases. Several signaling pathways and cellular events involved in the NLRP3
inflammasome assembly and activation have been studied, and inhibitory mechanisms
have been identified. NLRP3 inflammasome inhibition decreases inflammation and
inflammasome-mediated cell death. In prospecting for novel anti-inflammatory
therapeutics, signaling molecules upstream or downstream on the NLRP3
inflammasome pathway can serve as viable drug targets. Effective inhibition of these
molecules culminates in the downregulation of the expression of proinflammatory
cytokines like interleukin-1beta (IL-1β) and IL-18. This chapter elucidates the various classes of NLRP3 inflammasome inhibitors, their resultant anti-inflammatory effects,
and various mechanisms of action.
Keywords: Cytokines, Inflammasome, Inflammation, Inhibition, NLRP3.
