The interplay between mitochondrial dysfunction and NLRP3 inflammasome in multiple sclerosis: Therapeutic implications and animal model studies

Multiple sclerosis (MS) is a complex autoimmune disorder that impacts the central nervous system (CNS), resulting in inflammation, demyelination, and neurodegeneration. The NOD-like receptor (NLR) family pyrin domain-containing 3 (NLRP3) inflammasome, a multiprotein complex of the innate immune system, serves an essential role in the pathogenesis of MS by regulating the production of pro-inflammatory cytokines (IL-1β & IL-18) and the induction of pyroptotic cell death. Mitochondrial dysfunction is one of the main potential factors that can trigger NLRP3 inflammasome activation and lead to inflammation and axonal damage in MS. This highlights the importance of understanding how mitochondrial dynamics modulate NLRP3 inflammasome activity and contribute to the inflammatory and neurodegenerative features of MS. The lack of a comprehensive understanding of the pathogenesis of MS and the urge for the introduction of new therapeutic strategies led us to review the therapeutic potential of targeting the interplay between mitochondrial dysfunction and the NLRP3 inflammasome in MS. This paper also evaluates the natural and synthetic compounds that can improve mitochondrial function and/or inhibit the NLRP3 inflammasome, thereby providing neuroprotection. Moreover, it summarizes the evidence from animal models of MS that demonstrate the beneficial effects of these compounds on reducing inflammation, demyelination, and neurodegeneration. Finally, this review advocates for a deeper investigation into the molecular crosstalk between mitochondrial dynamics and the NLRP3 inflammasome as a means to refine therapeutic targets for MS.