IL18 and inflammation: NLRP3, caspase-1, pro-IL-1β, and pro-IL-18 activation were observed in a mouse model of acute pancreatitis.287 Additionally, Inhibition of P2X7R could reduce chronic pancreatic inflammation and fibrosis by attenuating NLRP3-mediated IL-1β and IL-18 secretions in a mouse model of chronic pancreatitis.288 The NLRP3 inflammasome is also believed to contribute to the development of fibrosis in patients with chronic pancreatitis.