Two Inflammasomes As Tumour Markers for Nonmelanocytic Skin Cancer: New Hopes for Early Detection and Targeted Therapy Publisher



Khayyat A ; Zohouri S A ; Pour M A E ; Hatami P ; Smoller B R
Source: Skin Health and Disease Published:2026

Abstract

Nonmelanoma skin cancer (NMSC) refers to the most common skin cancers, including basal cell carcinoma (BCC) and squamous cell carcinoma (SCC). Therefore, dependable biomarkers could benefit early predictive diagnosis and become therapy targets. Recent findings have implicated the role of inflammasomes, including (NLRP1 and NLRP3), in skin carcinogenesis. This literature review shall further examine and summarize whether NLRP1 and NLRP3 inflammasomes could be potential tumour markers of NMSC. The literature in this area is synthesized, with the aim of providing a broad understanding of the issue concerning skin cancer. A complete literature search of PubMed, Google Scholar and Web of Science was conducted including publications covering the period January 2000–May 2024. Fifteen relevant articles were included and helped to shed light on the roles of NLRP1 and NLRP3 in NMSC. The included articles comprised original research articles and review papers. In the context of tumour regression and progression, low expression of the NLRP1 inflammasome indicated an increase in metastasis and recurrence in patients with NMSC. Skin cancer is facilitated by a germline mutation in NLRP1. NLRP1 inflammasomes have become a focal point in skin biology as mutations in NLRP1 contribute to the genetic basis of dermatological diseases and heighten the risk of skin cancer. The role of the NLRP3 inflammasome, particularly activation associated with chronic inflammation and cancer progression, involves increased cytokine production and creation of a protumorigenic environment. The NLRP1 and NLRP3 inflammasomes are potential biomarkers for early detection, prognosis and therapeutic targets. Targeting inflammasomes could be a crucial strategy in alleviating skin inflammation, combating photoageing and decreasing the risk of epithelial skin tumour development. NLRP1 and NLRP3 inflammasomes are promising tumour markers for NMSC. A role in inflammation or tumour growth and metastasis provides a good rationale for early detection and prognosis, and targeted clinical applications. This study identifies NLRP1 and NLRP3 inflammasomes as potential biomarkers and therapeutic targets in NMSC, linking their altered expression to tumour progression and recurrence. © The Author(s) 2026. Published by Oxford University Press on behalf of British Association of Dermatologists. This is an Open Access article distributed under the terms of the Creative Commons Attribution License (https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by/4.0/), which permits unrestricted reuse, distribution, and reproduction in any medium, provided the original work is properly cited.