Inflammasome activation is a key function mediated by the innate immune system in response to harmful stimuli, such as pathogens, dead cells or irritants. However, overt activation of inflammasomes may also lead to a variety of autoinflammatory and autoimmune diseases, including neurodegenerative diseases (such as multiple sclerosis, Alzheimer's disease and Parkinson's disease) and metabolic disorders (such as atherosclerosis, obesity and type II diabetes).