IL-1 receptor-associated kinase 1 participates in the modulation of the NLRP3 inflammasome by tumor-associated macrophages in hepatocellular carcinoma.

Background: Hepatocellular carcinomas (HCCs) occur frequently in the digestive system and are associated with high mortality. This current study examined the regulatory relationship between interleukin (IL)-1 receptor-associated kinase 1 (IRAK1), NLR family pyrin domain-containing 3 (NLRP3) inflammasomes, and tumor-associated macrophages (TAMs) in the growth and metastasis of HCC.

Methods: The expression of IRAK1 and NLRP3 was assessed in tissues and cells via quantitative real-time polymerase chain reaction (qRT-PCR) and Western blot analysis.