More recent data show that under these conditions, caspase-8 promotes NLRP3 activation by cleaving GSDMD directly, thereby promoting pyroptosis downstream of TNF and providing protection against infection (e.g., Yersinia infection) in vivo.285–287 In the absence of caspase-8, RIPK3 kinase activity and MLKL are necessary. This evidence concerns the gene CASP8 and infection.