NLR family pyrin domain containing 2 (NLRP2)

NLR family pyrin domain containing 2 (NLRP2) is a member of the NOD-like receptor family characterized by an N-terminal pyrin domain (PYD), a central nucleotide-binding and oligomerization domain (NACHT), and C-terminal leucine-rich repeats (LRR). NLRP2 assembles into the inflammasome, a cytosolic protein complex that activates proinflammatory caspases such as caspase-1, leading to the processing and secretion of mature cytokines like interleukin-1β. NLRP2 can suppress NF-κB activity and regulate immune responses, especially in oocytes and astrocytes. It plays a role in female fertility, neuroinflammation, and is linked with diseases such as idiopathic recurrent miscarriage, cystinosis, and neuropsychiatric disorders. Expression and function in the nervous system are still being elucidated, with evidence of involvement in neuropathology, neuroinflammatory signaling, and response to cellular stress. Drug targeting of NLRP2 is primarily experimental and focuses on modulating inflammasome activation through upstream effectors rather than direct inhibition.

Other names

NACHT, LRR and PYD domains-containing protein 2NALP2NBS1PAN1PYPAF2FLJ20510CLR19.9Nucleotide-binding site protein 1PYRIN domain and NACHT domain-containing protein 1PYRIN-containing APAF1-like protein 2nucleotide-binding oligomerization domain, leucine rich repeat and pyrin domain containing 2OZEMA18

Inhibition of NLRP2-mediated inflammasome activation (reduces caspase-1 and IL-1β release); Suppression of NF-κB activity; Downregulation of astroglial NLRP2 expression (in neuroinflammation/depression models)