Inflammation is an immunological double-edged sword. On one hand, the physiological changes that allow the body to mount an acute response to foreign substances, that if left unchecked could do great harm, have undoubtedly shaped the evolution of our species. Conversely, however, chronic inflammation, which results when old age, stress, or environmental toxins keep the body's immune system in overdrive, can contribute to a variety of devastating diseases, from Alzheimer's and Parkinson's to diabetes and cancer.
Original Article: Inflammasome ‘Switch’ May Control Age-Related Disease Conditions