Inflammasomes are multi-protein complexes that act as platforms for cleavage (i.e. activation/maturation) of pro-cytokines of the IL-1 family (e.g. IL-1α, IL-1β, IL-18) [6], which are prominent inflammatory cytokines in COPD and other chronic lung diseases [7]. The gene discussed is IL1A; the disease is chronic obstructive pulmonary disease.