Inflammasomes.

Inflammasomes are large cytosolic multiprotein complexes that assemble in response to detection of infection- or stress-associated stimuli and lead to the activation of caspase-1-mediated inflammatory responses, including cleavage and unconventional secretion of the leaderless proinflammatory cytokines IL-1β and IL-18, and initiation of an inflammatory form of cell death referred to as pyroptosis. Inflammasome activation can be induced by a wide variety of microbial pathogens and generally mediates host defense through activation of rapid inflammatory responses and restriction of pathogen replication. In addition to its role in defense against pathogens, recent studies have suggested that the inflammasome is also a critical regulator of the commensal microbiota in the intestine.

miR-181 and metabolic regulation in the immune system.

Regulation of metabolism is emerging as a central mechanism to control cellular identity and function. Extensive research in the last few years has revealed that the PI3K pathway is at the forefront of establishing metabolic changes required for immune cell growth, proliferation, migration, and differentiation. However, we currently have a limited understanding of how signaling through the PI3K pathway is tightly regulated during immune responses and immune cell development.