Fig. 2

NLRP3 and AIM2 inflammasome pathways. The NLRP3 inflammasome activation is mediated through two signals: Toll-like receptor (TLR)/tumor necrosis factor receptor (TNFR)-mediated NF-κB pathway activation or inflammasome complex assembly (NLRP3, ASC, and pro-caspase-1) triggered by particulate matter (lysosomal destabilization or cathepsin B release), mitochondrial ROS generation, intracellular calcium influx, or potassium efflux. The activated NLRP3 inflammasome promotes IL-1β and IL-18 maturation and induces pyroptotic cell death (osmotic lysis of cells). AIM2 inflammasome assembly is induced by the recognition of cytosolic DNA and leads to pyroptosis and IL-1β/IL-18 maturation