NLRP3 and chronic hepatitis C virus infection: Similarly, patients with chronic hepatitis C have significantly increased serum IL-1β levels.273 Mechanistically, the Hepatitis C virus (HCV) RNA induces MyD88-mediated TLR7 signaling, activates the NLRP3 inflammasome pathway, and consequently triggers IL-1β production.273 Upon HCV infection, ASC binds to NLRP3, causing fragmentation of the Golgi.274 As a result, HCV replication increases and chronic liver inflammation occurs.