Nigericin is an antibiotic derived from Streptomyces hygroscopicus that act as a K+/H+ ionophore, promoting K+/H+ exchange across mitochondrial membranes[1].Nigericin can be a NLRP3 activator that induces the release of IL-1β as a NALP3-dependent manner[2]. Nigericin triggers eryptosis, an effect paralleled by ROS formation, and in part due to induction of oxidative stress. Nigericin triggers apoptosis[3].

[1]. Zotova L, et al. Novel components of an active mitochondrial K(+)/H(+) exchange. J Biol Chem. 2010 May 7;285(19):14399-414. [2]. Mariathasan S, et al.Cryopyrin activates the inflammasome in response to toxins and ATP.Nature. 2006 Mar 9;440(7081):228-32. [3]. Bissinger R, et al. Triggering of Suicidal Erythrocyte Death by the Antibiotic Ionophore Nigericin. Basic Clin Pharmacol Toxicol. 2016 May;118(5):381-9.