IL18 and age-related macular degeneration: [35], [36] CEP modified proteins have been recently linked with the NLRP3 inflammasome, a multiprotein intracellular complex which is part of the innate immune response and is responsible for the production of the cytokines IL-1ß and IL-18. [37] CEP modified proteins were shown to be capable of priming the NLRP3 inflammasome, in peripheral blood derived monocytes (PBDM), further supporting involvement in the pathogenesis of AMD [22].