The role of inflammasomes, IL-1β, IL-18, and nitric oxide in inflammation and hypertension

High blood pressure affects approximately one third of the world’s adult population and contributes to heart attacks and strokes. Many patients with hypertension are not treated effectively by currently-available blood pressure lowering drugs, highlighting the need for more research to identify new treatments. We have shown that a component of the immune system known as the ‘inflammasome’ is switched on during hypertension and contributes to high blood pressure. By blocking the actions of the inflammasome with newly identified drugs, we reduced blood pressure in hypertensive mice. Hence, this project offers new hope to patients struggling to manage their blood pressure