NLRP3-mediated IL-1β in regulating the imbalance between Th17 and Treg in experimental autoimmune prostatitis

Chronic prostatitis/chronic pelvic pain syndrome (CP/CPPS) is a urinary disorder that affects youthful to middle-aged men most frequently. It has been revealed that Th17/Treg imbalance is a crucial factor in the pathophysiological mechanisms behind this disease. However, this imbalance's mechanisms are unknown. In the experimental autoimmune prostatitis (EAP) mouse model, the NLRP3 inflammasome was turned on, IL-1 beta levels went up. Moreover, there exists a discernible positive association between the upsurge in IL-1 beta and the perturbation of Th17/Treg equilibrium. Additionally, we have revealed that IL-1 beta plays a vital role in promoting the differentiation of Na & iuml;ve CD4+ T cells into the Th17 cells and enhances the conversion of Treg cells into Th17 cells. Further studies revealed that IL-1 beta promotes STAT3 phosphorylation, which is what causes Treg cells to become Th17 cells. All data strongly suggest that the NLRP3 inflammatory influence Th17 cell development and the conversion of Treg cells into Th17 cells through IL-1 beta, disrupting the Th17/Treg balance and exacerbating EAP inflammation. In this article, we provide new theories for the pathogenesis of CP/CPPS and propose new prevention and therapy methods.