Inflammation mainly mediated by innate immune cells as the first line of host defense against pathogens is an acute response that limits tissue damage and eliminates pathogens in the body. In triggering inflammation, several pattern recognition receptors work together; membrane-associated Toll-like receptors, c-type lectin receptors, retinoic acid-inducible gene-like helicase receptors, absent in melanoma-like receptors, and cytosolic nucleotide-binding domain and leucine-rich repeat receptors. Among them, inflammasome is a newly trigger of inflammation in response to exogenous and endogenous stimuli and its activation leads to the assembly of multiprotein platforms composed of NLRP3 (NOD-like receptor family, pyrin domain containing 3), ASC (apoptosis associated speck-like protein containing a CARD), and procaspase 1. Thus, the activated inflammasome activates caspase 1, resulting in processing and secretion of interleukin (IL)-1β. Recent emerging data suggest that dysregulated metabolites, i.e., amyloids, ceramides, and cholesterol crystals, have been classified as inflammasome activators. In addition, IL-1β may play a critical role in the pathogenesis of chronic inflammation-induced disorders such as Alzheimer’s diseases, type 2 diabetes, and atheriosclerosis. This review introduces the basic concept of inflammasome activation and auto-inflammatory diseases. In addition, it discusses the updated signaling models of inflammasome activation that link metabolic dysfunction in order to outline future therapeutic approaches to inflammasome-mediating diseases.

• Geun-Shik Lee(Laboratory of Veterinary Physiology, College of Veterinary Medicine and Institute of Veterinary Science, Kangwon National University) Corresponding author