Inflammasome Adaptor ASC Is Highly Elevated in Lung Over Plasma and Relates to Inflammation and Lung Diffusion in the Absence of Speck Formation.

ABSTRACT: Rationale: Caspase-1 is a zymogen whose activation predominantly depends upon the assembly of ASC monomers into insoluble prion-like polymers (specks). ASC polymers support caspase-1 dimer formation inducing a proximity mediated auto-activation of caspase-1. Therefore, the amount and nature of ASC monomers and polymers in lung bronchoalveolar lavage fluid (BALF) might serve as a marker of lung inflammasome activity. Objectives: To determine whether lung ASC concentrations or oligomerization status predicts lung function or activity of lung inflammation. Methods: BALF ASC amount and oligomerization status was studied in three distinct cohorts: (1) young healthy non-smokers, vapers and smokers; (2) healthy HIV+ smokers who underwent detailed lung function studies; and (3

SUBMITTER: Gavrilin MA 

PROVIDER: S-EPMC7096349 | biostudies-literature | 2020

REPOSITORIES: biostudies-literature