The primary function of the NLRP3 inflammasome is to mediate the activation of caspase-1 and the secretion of proinflammatory cytokines IL-1β/IL-18 in response to microbial infection and cellular damage.

The NLRP3 inflammasome is activated by a wide range of inflammatory stimuli and molecular or cellular events including lysosomal damage, ionic flux, the production of reactive oxygen species (ROS), and mitochondrial dysfunction. The activated NLRP3 inflammasome regulates the activation of caspase-1 and induces inflammation in response to the inflammatory stimuli.