NLRP3 and ulcerative colitis: Moreover, the nlrp3-/- KO mice ameliorated the induced colitis.87 Similarly, human colonic biopsy samples from Crohn’s disease and ulcerative colitis showed increased levels of NLRP3, ASC, caspase-1, and IL-1β mRNAs that were associated with exacerbated disease condition.88 Thus, the activation of inflammasomes plays a key role in mediating immune responses, which are crucial for host survival.