In addition, the NLRP3/ASC inflammasome protected against kidney damage independent of IL-1 signaling due to regulation of the anti-inflammatory activity of transforming growth factor-β (TGF-β) in C57BL6/Jlpr/lpr mice, which represent a mild spontaneous model of lupus (65). This evidence concerns the gene NLRP3 and systemic lupus erythematosus.