Inflammasomes and anti-viral immunity

Abstract

Type I Interferons are the hallmark cytokines deployed during infection to combat invading viruses. However, inflammatory cytokines such as Interleukin (IL)-1beta and IL-18 also play important roles in anti-viral defenses. The activity of IL-1beta and IL18 are regulated at the level of expression, processing, and secretion. Several classes of innate immune receptors control the expression of these cytokines, which must then be proteolytically processed via caspase-1. In this review, we provide an overview of how caspase-1-activating inflammasomes participate during viral infections and their role in regulating anti-viral immunity.