Can ROS trigger inflammasome activation?

Yes, ROS (reactive oxygen species) can trigger inflammasome activation. In fact, ROS serves as a vital inflammasome activation signal.

ROS are highly reactive, short-lived molecules. The generation of ROS in cells is typically in equilibrium with several other antioxidant defenses. At low to modest cellular levels, they are necessary for regulating essential physiological functions involved in development such as the proliferation, progression, differentiation, and migration of cells, as well as cell death. Excess levels of ROS in the cells triggers inflammasome activation, resulting in damage to nucleic acids, organelles, proteins, membranes, and lipids and leading to the activation of cell death processes such as apoptosis.