NLR family pyrin domain containing 3 (NLRP3) (previously known as NACHT, LRR, and PYD domains-containing protein 3 [NALP3] and cryopyrin), is a protein that in humans is encoded by the NLRP3 gene[5] located on the long arm of chromosome 1.[6]
NLRP3 is expressed predominantly in macrophages and as a component of the inflammasome,[7][8]: 436 detects products of damaged cells such as extracellular ATP and crystalline uric acid. Activated NLRP3 in turn triggers an immune response. Mutations in the NLRP3 gene are associated with a number of organ specific autoimmune diseases.