Immune response modulation in inflammatory bowel diseases by Helicobacter pylori infection

Figure 2 Immunomodulation of the NLR family pyrin domain containing 3 inflammasome and protection against inflammatory bowel diseases. Pathogen-associated molecular patterns from Helicobacter pylori are recognized by the NLR family pyrin domain containing 3 (NLRP3) inflammasome toll-like receptors leading to responses that appear to be associated with improved prognosis and an anti-inflammatory effect. Activated NLRP3 is able to increase the expression of caspase-1 which activates the cytokines interleukin (IL)-18 and IL-1β. The positive regulation of these cytokines leads to extragastric immunomodulation by suppressing the T helper 17 subpopulation and increasing regulatory T, transforming growth factor-β and mucins. H. pylori: Helicobacter pylori; IL: Interleukin; PAMPs: Pathogen-associated molecular patterns; TLR: Toll-like receptor; TGF: Transforming growth factor; NLRP3: NLR family pyrin domain containing 3; Treg: Regulatory T.