Role of the inflammasome in cancer

High serum concentrations of IL-1β and IL-18 are correlated to malignancies with low-rate survival from time of diagnosis. The multimeric complex of the inflammasome is responsible for IL-1β/IL-18 synthesis/release. A number of endogenous (damage-associated molecular patterns, DAMPs) and exogenous (pathogen-associated molecular patterns, PAMPs) stimuli can provide signals for inflammasome activation in cancer. These stimuli can behave as tumor promoters by inducing chronic inflammation that, rather than providing a protective response to loss of tissue homeostasis, aberrantly facilitate tumor development. This point of view is in contrast with what was reported in some cancer animal models in which the activation of some inflammasome complexes is associated with tumor protection. Therefore, more studies are needed to understand the biology of the inflammasome in cancer and hence, explore its therapeutic potential.