NLRP3 inhibition maintains microglia architecture and enhances behavioral recovery after traumatic brain injury

Abstract

NLRP3 plays an essential role in secondary neuroinflammatory damage following traumatic brain injury (TBI). However, the specific mechanisms mediating NLRP3s effects in TBI remain poorly understood, and it is unknown whether its pharmacological inhibition with oral compounds during initial phases confers long-term protection. In this study, we investigated the role of the NLRP3 inflammasome pathway in TBI-induced neuroinflammation and long-term neurobehavioral impairment, as well as the impact of its pharmacological inhibition. Following controlled cortical impact (CCI), most NLRP3 inflammasome-related proteins and key inflammatory markers were elevated during the first week post-injury. Genetic Nlrp3 deletion and treatment with oral NLRP3-specific inhibitors preserved microglial homeostatic architecture, reduced ASC aggregation, and enhanced neurological and cognitive recovery after CCI. Repeated intravital imaging confirmed that NLRP3 inhibition prevents microglial activation post-TBI. These findings suggest NLRP3 inflammasome targeting represents a viable translational strategy for clinical trials and may mitigate long-term neurocognitive decline following TBI.