Further, it is postulated that NLRP3 inflammasome activation and ENaC upregulation drives enhanced innate-immune responses as indicated by increased levels of IL-18, IL-1β, caspase-1 activity and release of apoptosis-associated speck-like (ASC) protein aggregates in monocytes from patients with CF-associated mutations. Here, PYCARD is linked to cystic fibrosis.