PKR as a Regulator of Inflammasome Activation

Detection of pathogen by pattern recognition receptors leads to activation of inflammasome which plays a crucial role in immune system. The inflammasome regulates the release of cytokines, such as interleukin (IL)-1β, IL-18 and high-mobility group box 1 (HMGB1). Double-stranded RNA-dependent protein kinase (PKR) is a critical component of an inflammatory complex. Recently, the critical role of PKR was reported in regulation of multiple inflammasomes.