The Role of Inflammasome in Development of Aseptic Inflammation in Pregnancy Loss

Innate immunity plays a key role in the processes of conception and the maintenance of physiological pregnancy. Changes in immune system functioning can lead to pregnancy disorders and loss. In recent years, the function of NOD-like receptors (NLRs) of the innate immune system in pregnancy pathologies has been actively studied. NLRs are intracellular receptors that recognize a wide range of ligands and are involved in various processes, including the assembly of the inflammasome. The inflammasome is a cytoplasmic, high molecular weight protein complex that initiates an inflammatory response to infection or endogenous signals of cellular stress and tissue damage. Gene expression, as well as protein products of NLRP3 inflammasome activation, have been detected at various levels of the female reproductive tract, including the placenta and fetal membranes. An increasing body of evidence supports the role of the NLRP3 inflammasome in the development of reproductive pathologies, including infertility and pregnancy loss. Inflammasome activity is influenced by numerous endogenous factors, and disruptions in any of these can lead to the development of aseptic inflammation. The outcome of such inflammation often includes spontaneous miscarriage or preterm birth. Triggers for NLRP3 inflammasome activation may involve conditions in which the concentration of molecules stimulating the NLRP3 receptor increases at the systemic or local level. Studying established noninfectious factors of excessive NLRP3 activation and integrating their diagnosis into clinical practice may allow for the timely identification and reduction of pregnancy loss risks.