Acetylation is required for NLRP3 self-aggregation and full activation of the inflammasome

Abstract

The full activation of NLRP3 inflammasome needs two sequential signals: the fist priming signal and the second assembly signal. Various stimuli including infections and stress signals can provide the assembly signal. However, how NLRP3 detects diverse stimuli and becomes fully activated remain largely unknown. In this study, we found the second signal specially triggers the acetylation of NLRP3, which facilitates the aggregation of NLRP3 and its interaction with ASC and NEK7, thus promoting the assembly of inflammasome. Meanwhile, by employing pharmacological and molecular approaches, we identified KAT5 as a regulator of NLRP3 acetylation and activation. Furthermore, KAT5 specific inhibitor-NU9056 exhibited a robust suppressive effect on NLRP3 inflammasome both in vitro and in vivo. Thus, our study reveals a new mechanism for NLRP3 full activation and suggests targeting NLRP3 acetylation may provide a new approach for treatment of NLRP3 associated diseases.