Our research group investigates the function of cytosolic protein complexes termed inflammasomes that play important roles in immune responses. Inflammasome activation happens through a sensor protein that senses the trigger, after which a protease termed caspase-1 executes inflammasome functions. Both pathogens and host-derived danger and stress signals can trigger caspase-1 activity of inflammasomes, which then cleave their substrates. These substrates include Gasdermin D, of which the N-terminal fragment triggers a lytic form of cell death termed pyroptosis. This inflammasome-induced cell death mode is accompanied by the release of the IL-1β and IL-18 pro-inflammatory cytokines, both of which are maturated by caspase-1 activity, as well as several danger-associated molecular patterns that together mount an efficient inflammatory response.