Abstract: NLRP3 inflammasome is a polyprotein complex formed by the activation of pattern recognition receptor.Activated NLRP3 inflammasome can transform pro-caspase-1 into active caspase-1，which promotes the maturation and secretion of IL-1β and IL-18，and then triggers the inflammatory response of the body.Atherosclerosis is the basis of the pathogenesis of cardiocerebral vascular disease，which is a serious threat to human health.Recent studies show that atherosclerosis is a chronic inflammatory reactive disease，inflammasome plays a key role in the inflammatory response of atherosclerosis，and NLRP3 inflammasome is closely related to the formation of atherosclerosis.This article reviews the activation mechanism of NLRP3 inflammasome and its relationship with atherosclerosis.

Key words: Atherosclerosis, NLRP3 inflammasome, Inflammation

摘要： NLRP3炎性小体是模式识别受体激活后所形成的一种多蛋白复合体。活化的NLRP3炎性小体可使caspase-1前体转变为有活性的caspase-1，促进白介素（IL）-1β和IL-18的成熟和分泌，进而引发机体的炎性反应。动脉粥样硬化作为心脑血管疾病的发病基础，严重威胁着人类的健康。近年研究结果表明，动脉粥样硬化是一种慢性炎性反应性疾病。炎性小体在动脉粥样硬化炎性反应中发挥关键作用，其中NLRP3炎性小体与动脉粥样硬化的形成有着密切联系。本文就NLRP3炎性小体活化机制及其与动脉粥样硬化的相关性进行综述。

关键词: 动脉粥样硬化, NLRP3炎性小体, 炎症