As the sensor component of the NLRP9 inflammasome, plays a crucial role in innate immunity and inflammation. In response to pathogens, including rotavirus, initiates the formation of the inflammasome polymeric complex, made of NLRP9, PYCARD and CASP1. Recruitment of proCASP1 to the inflammasome promotes its activation and CASP1-catalyzed IL1B and IL18 maturation and release in the extracellular milieu. The active cytokines stimulate inflammatory responses. Inflammasomes can also induce pyroptosis, an inflammatory form of programmed cell death. NLRP9 inflammasome activation may be initiated by DHX9 interaction with viral double-stranded RNA (dsRNA), preferentially to short dsRNA segments.
