The active pyroptotic indicators, including caspase-1 and IL-1β, overlapping with SMC marker α smooth muscle actin (α-SMA), were examined in human and mice atherosclerotic plaques, especially near the necrosis core, on the plaque surface, and in the intraplaque hemorrhage area, providing evidence that VSMC pyroptosis participated in atherosclerosis and contributed to plaque instability (Li et al., 2020). The gene discussed is IL1B; the disease is atherosclerosis.