Antimicrobial functions of inflammasomes

► Inflammasomes are important for in vivo host defence against a range of pathogens. ► Inflammasome-dependent IL-1/18 co-ordinates local and systemic immune responses. ► Pro-inflammatory caspases contribute to microbial control by inducing pyroptosis. ► Emerging noncanonical inflammasome pathways contribute to antimicrobial defence.