# Inflammatory Caspases in Innate Immunity and Inflammation

> **NIH NIH R37** · ST. JUDE CHILDREN'S RESEARCH HOSPITAL · 2021 · $448,750

## Abstract

   
DESCRIPTION (provided by applicant):  Aspergillus fumigatus (A. fumigatus) is an important human fungal pathogen, which is responsible for significant morbidity and mortality amongst immunocompromised patients. In recent years, we have made important progress in understanding the molecular mechanisms that regulate sensing of pathogens by pattern-recognition receptors (PRRs), including Toll-like receptors (TLRs), NOD-like receptors (NLRs), AIM2-like receptors (ALRs) and RIG-I like receptors (RLRs). Certain members of the NLR and ALR family assemble a cytoplasmic multi-protein complex termed the 'inflammasome', which activates caspase-1 and induces maturation and secretion of the pro-inflammatory cytokines IL-1β and IL-18. Our recent study demonstrated that intracellular sensing of A. fumigatus requires a coordinated effort between the NLRP3 and AIM2    
inflammasomes. However, the molecular mechanisms and signaling pathways leading to activation of these protective responses are completely unknown. In this grant application for renewal, we propose to investigate the signaling pathways regulating activation of inflammasomes driven by A. fumigatus infection. Completion of this proposal is expected to identify the major innate immune sensors that are directly sensing A. fumigatus and unravel the molecular mechanisms that regulate formation of inflammasomes in response to A. fumigatus. These discoveries are expected to identify novel signaling pathways that could be targeted by therapeutic interventions.

## Key facts

- **NIH application ID:** 10134197
- **Project number:** 5R37AI101935-10
- **Recipient organization:** ST. JUDE CHILDREN'S RESEARCH HOSPITAL
- **Principal Investigator:** Thirumala-Devi Kanneganti
- **Activity code:** R37 (R01, R21, SBIR, etc.)
- **Funding institute:** NIH
- **Fiscal year:** 2021
- **Award amount:** $448,750
- **Award type:** 5
- **Project period:** 2012-05-01 → 2022-04-30

## Primary source

NIH RePORTER: https://reporter.nih.gov/project-details/10134197

## Citation

> US National Institutes of Health, RePORTER application 10134197, Inflammatory Caspases in Innate Immunity and Inflammation (5R37AI101935-10). Retrieved via AI Analytics 2026-05-24 from https://api.ai-analytics.org/grant/nih/10134197. Licensed CC0.

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