Overview of NLRP3 functioning. Following a pre-activation stage, danger signals (DAMPs) and/or microbial patterns (PAMPs) induce the formation of the inflammasome through interaction between the receptor NLRP3, the adaptor ASC, and the effector procaspase-1. The resulting activation of caspase-1 induces cleavage of the pro-(IL)-1β prodomain, transforming it into its bioactive form (IL)-1β, which is then secreted into the extracellular environment.