Vitamin C inhibits the activation of the NLRP3 inflammasome by scavenging mitochondrial ROS

Authors:
  • XSXuesong Sang
    Xuesong Sang
  • HWHongbin Wang
    Hongbin Wang
  • YCYihui Chen
    Yihui Chen
  • QGQiuhong Guo
    Qiuhong Guo
  • ALAiling Lu
    Ailing Lu
  • XZXiaoli Zhu
    Xiaoli Zhu
  • GMGuangxun Meng
    Guangxun Meng
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Abstract
Inflammasomes are intracellular protein complexes that mediate maturation and secretion of the pro-inflammatory cytokines IL-1β and IL-18. Inflammasomes have been connected with various diseases, therefore the regulation of inflammasome activation is important for the development of novel therapies for many inflammatory syndromes. Vitamin C is an essential nutrient and has regulatory effects on immune cells. Here we report that vitamin C has an inhibitory effect on the activation of the NLRP3 inflammasome in vitro and in vivo. Mechanistically, this inhibition is through scavenging mitochondrial ROS but not through NF-κB inhibition. Moreover, specificity tests show that the AIM2 inflammasome and the NLRC4 inflammasome can also be inhibited by vitamin C. Our results have thus identified a new inflammasome regulator and provide therapeutic potential for inflammasome-associated diseases.

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