Cookies on this website

We use cookies to ensure that we give you the best experience on our website. If you click 'Accept all cookies' we'll assume that you are happy to receive all cookies and you won't see this message again. If you click 'Reject all non-essential cookies' only necessary cookies providing core functionality such as security, network management, and accessibility will be enabled. Click 'Find out more' for information on how to change your cookie settings.

Mechano-immunity, the intersection between cellular or tissue mechanics and immune cell function, is emerging as an important factor in many inflammatory diseases. Mechano-sensing defines how cells detect mechanical changes in their environment. Mechano-response defines how cells adapt to such changes, e.g. form synapses, signal or migrate. Inflammasomes are intracellular immune sensors that detect changes in tissue and cell homoeostasis during infection or injury. We and others recently found that mechano-sensing of tissue topology (swollen tissue), topography (presence and distribution of foreign solid implant) or biomechanics (stiffness), alters inflammasome activity. Once activated, inflammasomes induce the secretion of inflammatory cytokines, but also change cellular mechanical properties, which influence how cells move, change their shape, and interact with other cells. When overactive, inflammasomes lead to chronic inflammation. This clearly places inflammasomes as important players in mechano-immunity. Here, we discuss a model whereby inflammasomes integrate pathogen- and tissue-injury signals, with changes in tissue mechanics, to shape the downstream inflammatory responses and allow cell and tissue mechano-adaptation. We will review the emerging evidence that supports this model.

Original publication

DOI

10.1038/s44319-023-00008-2

Type

Journal article

Journal

EMBO Rep

Publication Date

01/2024

Volume

25

Pages

21 - 30

Keywords

Foreign Body Reaction, Inflammasomes, Macrophages, Mechano-Responses, Mechano-Sensing, Humans, Inflammasomes, Cytokines, Inflammation