Fig. 2. NLRP3 inflammasome protein complex of macrophages is activated by efflux of K⁺ during hypotonicity. Cell swelling and subsequent release of K⁺ leads to conformational change of the NLPR3 inflammasome resulting in the activation of the NLPR3 inflammasome. NLPR3 activation leads to the activation of caspase-1 enzyme and allows for the release of IL-1β, necessary for host defense-responses against pathogens and injury.