Fluorochrome-labeled inhibitors of caspase-1 require membrane permeabilization to efficiently access caspase-1 in macrophages

Eur J Immunol. 2024 May;54(5):e2350515. doi: 10.1002/eji.202350515. Epub 2024 Feb 15.

Abstract

Caspase-1 location in cells has been studied with fluorochrome-labeled inhibitors of caspase-1 (FLICA reagents). We report that FLICA reagents have limited cell-membrane permeability. This impacts experimental design as cells with intact membranes, including caspase-1 knockout cells, are not appropriate controls for cells with inflammasome-induced gasdermin D membrane pores.

Keywords: Caspase inhibitor; Caspase‐1; FLICA; Gasdermin D; Inflammasome.

Publication types

  • Research Support, Non-U.S. Gov't
  • Research Support, N.I.H., Extramural

MeSH terms

  • Animals
  • Caspase 1* / metabolism
  • Caspase Inhibitors* / pharmacology
  • Cell Membrane Permeability* / drug effects
  • Fluorescent Dyes*
  • Humans
  • Inflammasomes* / metabolism
  • Macrophages* / immunology
  • Macrophages* / metabolism
  • Mice
  • Mice, Knockout
  • Phosphate-Binding Proteins / metabolism

Substances

  • Caspase 1
  • Fluorescent Dyes
  • Inflammasomes
  • Caspase Inhibitors
  • Phosphate-Binding Proteins