Abstract:Inflammasome is a multi-protein complex sensing a variety of stimuli of the innate immune system.Inflammasome promotes the production of pro-inflammatory cytokines such as interleukin-1β and interleukin-18.The activation of inflammasome is associated with chronic inflammation in various cardiovascular diseases (CVD) such as atherosclerosis,ischemic heart disease,ischemia-reperfusion injury,hypertension,and cardiomyopathy.The mechanism of inflammasome activation and its downstream cytokines production has become a research hotspot in cardiovascular system.In addition,the discovery of inflammasome has expanded our understanding of how the innate immunity disrupts the development and progression of CVD,and targeting inflammasome provides new avenues for therapy of these diseases.