NLRP3 inflammasome in acute lung injury: Cumulative evidence for traditional Chinese medicine and natural products

Acute lung injury (ALI) and its more severe manifestation, acute respiratory distress syndrome (ARDS), continue to pose a substantial challenge for contemporary society. Having been linked to the processes of injury and inflammation, NLRP3 inflammasome is activated by various stimuli, including inhaled allergens, pathogens, and environmental pollutants, subsequently contributing to the dysfunction of the innate immune system. Understanding how the innate immune NLRP3 inflammasome is altered during ALI may facilitate the identification of new therapeutic targets. To further enrich the role of NLRP3 inflammasome in treating ALI with traditional Chinese Medicine (TCM), this review aims to thoroughly summarize the latest scientific research achievements on the effects of NLRP3 inflammasome in ALI, and the existing underlying therapeutic targets from TCM and natural products.