IMMUNOLOGY2026™ Conference Recordings For Attendees-Centrosome-associated assembly and trafficking coordinate spatial activation of the NLRP3 inflammasome in primary human monocytes

Centrosome-associated assembly and trafficking coordinate spatial activation of the NLRP3 inflammasome in primary human monocytes

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Video Summary

The speaker studies how human monocytes detect and respond to <em>Toxoplasma gondii</em>, a widespread foodborne parasite that can cause severe disease in immunocompromised people. Infection triggers strong IL-1β production through the NLRP3 inflammasome, without causing immediate cell death because the parasite effector ROTE55 blocks gasdermin D cleavage and pyroptosis. The team found that inflammasome assembly occurs at the centrosome/microtubule-organizing center and requires the centrosomal kinase NEK7 and intact centrosomal architecture. They also showed that endosomal trafficking, regulated by PIK5, is important for NLRP3 movement and activation. Disrupting NEK7, centrosomal integrity, or PIK5 reduces caspase-1 activation and IL-1β release. The talk concludes with a model in which <em>Toxoplasma</em> induces a specialized, centrosome-centered inflammasome response in viable monocytes.

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Date April 17, 2026 5:15 PM - 5:30 PM

Room 153C

Session Signaling Pathways Modulating Immune Responses to Microbial Infections

Speaker Melissa Lodoen

Track Microbial, Parasitic, and Fungal Immunology (MPF)

Year 2026

Keywords

Toxoplasma gondii

NLRP3 inflammasome

IL-1β production

NEK7 centrosome

PIK5 endosomal trafficking

April 17, 2026 5:15 PM - 5:30 PM

153C

Signaling Pathways Modulating Immune Responses to Microbial Infections

Melissa Lodoen

Microbial, Parasitic, and Fungal Immunology (MPF)

2026