Objective:To investigate if lipopolysaccharide (LPS) combined with fungal glucan (curdlan) activates Nod-like receptor pyrin domain-containing protein(NLRP3) inflammasome,and the activation could be influenced by paeoniflorin(PF) in human bronchial epithelial cells(16HBE),as well as the underlying mechanism. Methods:16HBE cells were stimulated by LPS combined with curdlan to establish inflammation models. The expressions of NLRP3,caspase-1,and interleukin(IL)-1β mRNA were analyzed by RT-PCR. The level of IL-1β in supernatants was evaluated by ELISA. The activity of caspase-1 was measured using a caspase-1 activity kit. Reactive oxygen species(ROS) were detected by flow cytometry. The expressions of NLRP3,caspase-1,and IL-1β protein in cells were determined by Western blot. Results:The expressions of NLRP3,caspase-1,IL-1β mRNA and protein were up-regulated in 16HBE cells activated by LPS combined with curdlan. The activity of caspase-1 and the levels of IL-1β in supernatants,as well as the concentrations of intracellular ROS were significantly increased; these effects were inhibited effectively by PF,especially in high concentration,through reducing the production of intracellular ROS. Conclusion:NLRP3 inflammasome plays an important role in combined LPS and curdlan infection in 16HBE cells,and PF may possess a certain anti-fungal infection effect via inhibiting the activation of NLRP3 inflammasome.