NLRP3 inflammasomes link inflammation and metabolic disease

A strong link between inflammation and metabolism is becoming increasingly evident. A number of recent landmark studies have implicated the activation of the NLRP3 inflammasome, an interleukin-1β family cytokine-activating protein complex, in a variety of metabolic diseases including obesity, atherosclerosis and type 2 diabetes. Here, we review these new developments and discuss their implications for a better understanding of inflammation in metabolic disease, and the prospects of targeting the NLRP3 inflammasome for therapeutic intervention.