E-selectin-mediated rapid NLRP3 inflammasome activation regulates S100A8/A9 release from neutrophils via transient gasdermin D pore formation

S100A8/A9 is a proinflammatory mediator released by myeloid cells during many acute and chronic inflammatory disorders. However, the precise mechanism of its release from the cytosolic compartment of neutrophils is still elusive. We report here that E-selectin-induced rapid S100A8/A9 release during inflammation occurs in a NLRP3 inflammasome-dependent fashion. Mechanistically, E-selectin engagement triggers Bruton?s tyrosine kinase dependent tyrosine phosphorylation of NLRP3. Concomitant potassium efflux via the voltage-gated potassium channel KV1.3 mediates ASC oligomerization. This is followed by caspase-1 cleavage and downstream activation of pore forming gasdermin D, enabling cytosolic S100A8/A9 to be released. Strikingly, E-selectin-mediated gasdermin D pore formation does not result in cell death, but is a transient process involving activation of the ESCRT-III membrane repair machinery. These findings do not only elucidate the molecular mechanisms of controlled S100A8/A9 release but also identify the NLRP3/gasdermin D axis as a rapid and reversible activation system in neutrophils during inflammation.