The NLRP3 inflammasome complex is a key driver of neuroinflammation that results in optic neuropathy The NLRP3 inflammasome drives retinal ganglion cell (RGC) degeneration and axon loss 1 19 • First, stress to the optic nerve head activates the NF - к B pathway, upregulating NLRP3 and the production of pro - IL - 1 β • Second, ATP from damaged cells or reactive oxygen species (ROS) result in NLRP3 inflammasome complex formation, activation of caspase - 1, and IL - 1 β activation by cleavage, leading the RGC degeneration 1. Coyle S, et al. Targeting the NLRP3 Inflammasome in Glaucoma. Biomolecules. 2021 Aug 19;11(8):1239. doi : 10.3390/biom11081239. PMID: 34439904; PMCID: PMC8393362.