AIM2 is a member of the PYHIN or HIN200 family. It has a C-terminal HIN domain which can bind double-stranded DNA (dsDNA) and a PYD domain that can bind ASC via a PYD-PYD interaction. In cells expressing procaspase-1, The interaction of AIM2 with ASC leads to recruitment of procaspase-1 forming the ASC pyroptosome which induces pyroptotic cell death by generating active caspase-1. Data from AIM2 deficient mice indicates that the AIM2 inflammasome is a nonredundant sensor for dsDNA that regulates the caspase-1-dependent maturation of IL-1beta and IL-18 (Rathinam et al. 2010, Hornung & Latz, 2009).