In addition, AIM2 knockout mice are more susceptible to Brucella infection and infection of C57BL/6, NLRC4, NLRP3, AIM2, ASC and Caspase-1 KO (knockout) BMDM (bone marrow-derived macrophage) with B. abortus than wild-type control mice27. Here, NLRC4 is linked to infection.