The activation of the non-canonical pathway NLRP3 observed in the multibacillary formof leprosy may occur through a mechanism similar to that observed in response toGram-negative bacteria such as Escherichia coli,Citrobacter rodentium, and Vibrio cholerae.The external membrane of these bacteria is constituted mainly of LPS molecules thatbind and directly activate caspase-11, an orthologue of human caspases-4/5.19 The gene discussed is NLRP3; the disease is leprosy.