A comprehensive analysis of the relationship between inflammasomes and autophagy in human tumors: Recent developments

Abstract

Autophagy and inflammasomes are essential cellular mechanisms that maintain homeostasis, regulate immune responses, and influence disease progression, especially in cancer. Autophagy, a lysosome-mediated process, removes damaged organelles and misfolded proteins, allowing cells to adapt to stress. This involves autophagosome formation, fusion with lysosomes, and subsequent degradation of cellular cargo. In contrast, inflammasomes are multiprotein complexes of the innate immune system that detect pathogenic signals and cellular stress, initiating inflammatory cytokine release to facilitate tissue repair. Notably, both pathways play dual roles in cancer: Although they help preserve cellular integrity and suppress tumorigenesis, they may also promote tumor survival under adverse conditions. This review explores the molecular mechanisms underlying autophagy and inflammasome activity, emphasizing their complex interplay and regulatory networks within the tumor microenvironment.