The inflammasome is a multiprotein complex that plays a crucial role in the innate immune response. It is responsible for the activation of inflammatory processes through the maturation of pro-inflammatory cytokines, such as interleukin-1β (IL-1β) and interleukin-18 (IL-18). Inflammasomes are activated in response to a variety of stimuli, including pathogens, stress, and environmental toxins. In toxicology, understanding inflammasomes is vital as they are involved in the body's response to toxic insults.
