Last reviewed: June 1, 2026
2013Nature
NLRP3 inflammasome activation mediates tau pathology
Heneka MT, Kummer MP, Stutz A, Delekate A, et al.
Abstract summary
Showed that amyloid-beta activates the NLRP3 inflammasome in microglia, leading to caspase-1 activation and IL-1beta secretion. NLRP3-deficient mice have reduced amyloid burden and improved memory in AD mouse models. Identified NLRP3 as a critical microglial sensor of amyloid pathology.
Evidence labels
animal modelin vitro assay
Targets
Diseases
- Alzheimer's disease
Species
mouse
Methods
mouse genetics, flow cytometry, ELISA, behavior
Therapeutic relevance
Established NLRP3 as a therapeutic target in AD; multiple NLRP3 inhibitors are in development for neurological indications.
Last reviewed: June 1, 2026