Treatment with an IL-1β-antibody did not affect inflammasome formation in myocardial tissue at 72 hours after CAO but inhibited cardiomyocyte apoptosis, limited left ventricular enlargement and improved systolic and diastolic cardiac function 7, 28 and 70 days after myocardial infarction. The gene discussed is IL1B; the disease is myocardial infarction.