NALP3: a key player in caspase-1 activation

The NLR (NACHT-LRR) family of proteins have been implicated in the regulation of immune responses and cell death pathways. Some NLR family members can form multiprotein complexes, called inflammasomes, involved in the activation of pro-inflammatory caspases. Mutations in the NALP3/CIASl/cryopyrin ge...

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Bibliographic Details
Published in:Journal of endotoxin research 2006-01, Vol.12 (4), p.251-256
Main Authors: Sutterwala, F S, Ogura, Y, Zamboni, D S, Roy, C R, Flavell, R A
Format: Article
Language:English
Online Access:Get full text
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Summary:The NLR (NACHT-LRR) family of proteins have been implicated in the regulation of immune responses and cell death pathways. Some NLR family members can form multiprotein complexes, called inflammasomes, involved in the activation of pro-inflammatory caspases. Mutations in the NALP3/CIASl/cryopyrin gene, a member of the NLR family, are linked to three auto-inflammatory disorders: Muckle-Wells syndrome, familial cold auto-inflammatory syndrome and neonatal-onset multisystem inflammatory disease. NALP3 along with the adaptor molecule ASC activates caspase-1 in response to a wide variety of stimuli. Here we review recent findings on the biology of NALP3 suggesting that it has functions beyond that of pathogen recognition.
ISSN:0968-0519
DOI:10.1179/096805106X118771