Description
As a potential sensor component of the NLRP1 inflammasome, plays a crucial role in innate immunity and inflammation. In response to pathogens and other damage-associated signals, initiates the formation of the inflammasome polymeric complex, made of Nlrp1b, CASP1, and possibly PYCARD. Recruitment of proCASP1 to the inflammasome promotes its activation and CASP1-catalyzed IL1B and IL18 maturation and secretion in the extracellular milieu. Activation of NLRP1 inflammasome is also required for HMGB1 secretion. The active cytokines and HMGB1 stimulate inflammatory responses. Inflammasomes can also induce pyroptosis, an inflammatory form of programmed cell death (By similarity) (PubMed:23219391). When activated in the bone marrow, induces the pyroptosis of hematopoietic stem cells and progenitor cells of both myeloid and lymphoid lineages, hence allowing the removal of damaged cells, and the release of IL1B, which induces granulopoiesis (PubMed:23219391). Binds ATP (By similarity)