Both Nos2 and inflammasome activation are considered double-edged sword arms of immune responses, since in addition to their role to control infections, the overactivation of both mechanisms can cause tissue damage and consequent inflammatory pathologies such as asthma, cardiovascular and neurological diseases, liver and renal dysfunctions, atherosclerosis, tumors, coagulation disorders, sepsis, among others8, 33, 34, 35. The gene discussed is NOS2; the disease is atherosclerosis.