Exploring the Role of NLRP3 in Pulmonary Disease

The innate immune system employs an array of pattern recognition receptors to respond to danger by inducing inflammation. However, inflammation must be delicately balanced, as too much inflammation can damage tissue. This thesis aims to understand the role of NLRP3 – a pattern recognition receptor that has been implicated in a range of inflammatory diseases. I characterise a novel viral activator of NLRP3 and how it may drive pathology in Hendra virus infection. I also investigate the cell-specific role of NLRP3 in the generation of inflammation induced by silica inhalation, and investigate the efficacy of NLRP3 targeting to reduce silica-induced pathology.