IL18 and ankylosing spondylitis: NLRP3, IL-1β, and IL-18: ankylosing spondylitis is associated with dysregulation of the inflammasome pathway, particularly the NLRP3 inflammasome, leading to increased production of pro-inflammatory cytokines such as interleukin-1β and IL-18, contributing to the chronic inflammation and spinal involvement characteristic of the disease. Targeting the inflammasome pathway is a focus of research for potential therapeutic interventions in ankylosing spondylitis.