Characterization of the ERMES mutant, coupled with real-time single-cell imaging of inflammasome activation, showed that (i) NLRP3 inflammasome activation by C. albicans is heterogeneous in the macrophage population; (ii) the inflammasome response is sensitively tailored to hyphal growth, and we propose that this is achieved via threshold activation; (iii) macrophages can be sensitized to NLRP3 inflammasome activation; and (iv) the new NLRP3 inhibitor MCC950 blocks inflammasome activation and pyroptosis following Candida infection. The gene discussed is NLRP3; the disease is candidiasis.