AIM2 and infection: Finally, besides the AIM2, NLRP3 and NLRP12 inflammasomes, we also found high levels of activated IFI16as early as 2 h post-infection by the virulent HSV-1 strains and clinical isolates (i.e., McKrae, 17, and KOS79), and interestingly subsequent inhibition, by a yet-to-be determined immune evasion mechanism, leading to severe corneal inflammatory disease.