The effect of RNase-L-induced activation of the RSR was previously shown to be JNK-mediated programmed cell death in response to viral infections.18 Interestingly, both ZAKα and RNase L activation was shown to trigger the inflammasome independently.24,53 Considering our data, it is plausible that RNase L also triggers inflammasome activation through ZAKα and contributes to cell death. This evidence concerns the gene MAPK8 and viral infectious disease.