Inflammasomes and Colorectal Cancer

Abstract

Inflammasomes are important intracellular multiprotein signaling complexes that modulate the activation of caspase-1 and induce levels of the proinflammatory cytokines interleukin-1β (IL-1β) and IL-18 in response to pathogenic microorganisms and molecules that originated from host proteins. Inflammasomes play contradictory roles in the development of inflammation-induced cancers. Based on several findings, inflammasomes can initiate and promote carcinogenesis. On the contrary, inflammasomes also exhibit anticancer effects by triggering pyroptosis and immunoregulatory functions. Herein, we review extant studies delving into different functions of inflammasomes in colorectal cancer development.