NLRP3- and AIM2-autonomy in a mouse model of MSU crystal-induced acute inflammation in vivo highlights imiquimod-dependent targeting of Il-1[beta] expression as relevant therapy for gout patients.

The role of Monosodium Urate (MSU) crystals in gout pathophysiology is well described, as is the major impact of IL-1b in the inflammatory reaction that constitutes the hallmark of the disease. However, despite the discovery of the NLRP3 inflammasome and its role as a Pattern Recognition Receptor linking the detection of a danger signal (MSU) to IL-1b; secretion in vitro, the precise mechanisms leading to joint inflammation in gout patients are still poorly understood. Here, we provide an extensive clinical, biological and molecular characterization of the acute uratic inflammation mouse model induced by subcutaneous injection of MSU crystals, which accurately mimics human gout. Our work reveals several key features of MSU-dependent inflammation and identifies novel therapeutic opportunities, among which the use of topical application of imiquimod to promote interferon-dependent anti-inflammatory action maybe relevant.