NLRP3

NLR family pyrin domain containing 3 (NLRP3) is a protein that in humans is encoded by the NLRP3 gene located on the long arm of chromosome 1. NLRP3 has previously been known as NACHT, LRR, and PYD domains-containing protein 3 [NALP3]; cryopyrin; cold induced autoinflammatory syndrome 1 (CIAS1), caterpillar-like receptor 1.1 (CLR1.1), and PYRIN-containing APAF1-like protein 1 (PYPAF1). NLRP3 is a component of the innate immune system that functions as a pattern recognition receptor (PRR) – a cytosolic sensor that responds to pathogen-associated molecular patterns (PAMPs) and damage-associated molecular patterns (DAMPs). NLRP3 belongs to the NOD-like receptor (NLR) family of PRRs. NLRP3 is expressed predominantly in macrophages, where it serves as a component of the inflammasome. The NLPR3 inflammasome triggers inflammation and an immune response, and causes cell death through pyroptosis or PANoptosis. Since its discovery in 2004, the NLRP3 inflammasome has emerged as a critical component of innate immunity, and mutations in the NLRP3 gene have been associated with a number of organ-specific autoimmune diseases, autoinflammatory diseases, and cancers. Hence, the NLRP3 inflammasome has become the best-understood inflammasome and a central focus of inflammation research.