Crosstalk between necroptosis and the inflammasome

Necroptosis is a regulated form of cell death, with hallmark features of both apoptosis and necrosis. Necroptosis is an effective means of caspase-independent cell death and can play an important role in limiting the time in which pathogenic stimuli can inhabit the cell. Necroptosis can be stimulated by toll-like receptors, death receptors, and other mediators. Recent studies have demonstrated that receptor-interacting protein kinase 3, a key protein in necroptosis, can directly activate the inflammasome. In this chapter, we will focus on the molecular mechanisms that underlie necroptotic signaling and how crosstalk between this pathway and the inflammasome can contribute to inflammation.