Inflammasomes are multi-protein complexes found in the cytosol of macrophages, granulocytes, dendritic cells, monocytes, and a few other immune cells. These cells represent a subgroup of leukocytes, collectively called myeloid cells.

Inflammasomes circulate through the blood and lymphatic system inside of myeloid cells, which allows them to be rapidly transported to sites of tissue damage and infection where they induce inflammation. Inflammasomes are activated by a wide range of endogenous and exogenous signals.