NLRP3 is assembled with the adaptor protein-ASC (apoptosis-associated speck-like protein) into a multi-protein complex that governs caspase-1 17 activation with subsequent maturation of pro-inflammatory cytokines interleukin (IL)-1β and IL-18 18–20 in the host response to infection and injury 21. Here, NLRP3 is linked to infection.