Colitis induced in mice with dextran sulfate sodium (DSS) is mediated by the NLRP3 inflammasome

Aims: The proinflammatory cytokines IL-1β and IL-18 are central players in the pathogenesis of inflammatory bowel disease (IBD). In response to a variety of microbial components and crystalline substances, both cytokines are processed via the caspase-1 activating multi-protein complex, the NLRP3 inflammasome. Here, we examined the role of the NLRP3 inflammasome in experimental colitis induced by dextran sulfate sodium (DSS). Methods: IL-1β production in response to dextran sulfate sodium (DSS) was studied in macrophages of wild-type (WT), caspase-1–/–, NLRP3–/–, ASC–/–, cathepsin B–/– or cathepsin L–/– mice. Col…