CASP1 and candidiasis: These inflammasomes activate caspase-1, which processes pro-IL-1β into its bioactive form, IL-1β, a critical mediator of fungal mucosal immunity.14,113,134 Studies have shown that the NLRP3 and NLRC4 inflammasomes protect mice from vaginal Candida infections by activating caspase-1 and IL-1β.