CASP1 and infection: Activation of intracellular caspase-1 (CASP1) upon pathogen recognition by TLRs and NODs defends the host against infection by secretion of the pro-inflammatory cytokines IL-1β and IL-18 via the IL-1 receptor, and by the induction of apoptosis of infected cells inside the cell in a molecular structure called the inflammasome [28].