NLRC4 and Salmonella Infections: This recognition triggers the assembly of the NAIP/NLRC4 inflammasome, leading to caspase-1 activation, secretion of IL-1 family cytokines, and pyroptosis of infected cells.459 NLRC4-deficient mice are more susceptible to S. Typhimurium infection, exhibiting higher bacterial loads in the cecum, liver, and spleen compared to wild-type mice.460–463 Beyond its role in Salmonella infection, NLRC4 also contributes to host defense against other enteric bacterial pathogens, such as Citrobacter rodentium,464 as well as non-enteric bacteria like Legionella species465 and Pseudomonas aeruginosa.