Molecule4 diseases
Caspase-1
Effector protease of the inflammasome; cleaves pro-IL-1β and pro-IL-18
- Expression change
- Upregulated
- Evidence level
- strong
Expression across diseases
| Disease | Role | Expression | Evidence |
|---|---|---|---|
| Adult-Onset Still's Disease | Effector protease of the inflammasome; cleaves pro-IL-1β and pro-IL-18 | Upregulated | strong |
| Cryopyrin-Associated Periodic Syndromes | Protease activating IL-1β and IL-18 | elevated | established |
| Familial Mediterranean Fever | Inflammasome effector protease | Constitutively activated | established |
| Schnitzler Syndrome | IL-1β converting enzyme | Constitutively active | moderate |
Role in pathogenesis
Caspase-1 is the key enzymatic effector of the NLRP3 inflammasome complex. Its upregulated activity in AOSD leads to proteolytic processing of pro-IL-1β and pro-IL-18 into their bioactive forms, initiating the cytokine storm. Caspase-1 activity is significantly elevated in AOSD PBMCs.