NLRP3 and infection: As a key mediator of our innate immune response and activated by both DAMPs and pathogen-associated molecular patterns (PAMPs), targeting upstream of sterile DAMP induced inflammation i.e., Cx-hemichannel activity, would leave NLRP3 freely accessible for stimulation by microbial pathogens (PAMPs) and circumvent potential adverse side effects associated with increased risk of infection.