NLRP3 and Sepsis: Accumulated evidence show that the NLRP3 inflammasome also mediates the release of high mobility group box 1 (HMGB1), a late mediator of lethal sepsis, and contributes to the pathogenesis of septic shock (Lu et al., 2012; Lamkanfi et al., 2010; Qin et al., 2006; Rittirsch et al., 2008; Wang et al., 2004; Wang et al., 1999).