Pathway: The AIM2 inflammasome
Reactions in pathway: The AIM2 inflammasome :
The AIM2 inflammasome
AIM2 is a member of the PYHIN or HIN200 family. It has a C-terminal HIN domain which can bind double-stranded DNA (dsDNA) and a PYD domain that can bind ASC via a PYD-PYD interaction. In cells expressing procaspase-1, The interaction of AIM2 with ASC leads to recruitment of procaspase-1 forming the ASC pyroptosome which induces pyroptotic cell death by generating active caspase-1. Data from AIM2 deficient mice indicates that the AIM2 inflammasome is a nonredundant sensor for dsDNA that regulates the caspase-1-dependent maturation of IL-1beta and IL-18 (Rathinam et al. 2010, Hornung & Latz, 2009).
Innate immunity encompases the nonspecific part of immunity tha are part of an individual's natural biologic makeup
Humans are exposed to millions of potential pathogens daily, through contact, ingestion, and inhalation. Our ability to avoid infection depends on the adaptive immune system and during the first critical hours and days of exposure to a new pathogen, our innate immune system.