NLRP3(NLR FAMILY, PYRIN DOMAIN-CONTAINING 3),also known as CIAS1, CRYOPYRIN, NALP3 or PYPAF1, is a protein that in humans is encoded by the NLRP3 (NOD-like receptor family, pryin domain containing 3) gene. The NLRP3 gene encodes a pyrin-like protein expressed predominantly in peripheral blood leukocytes. And the NLRP3 gene is mapped on 1q44. NLRP3 interacts with apoptosis-associated speck-like protein containing a CARD (ASC). The encoded protein may play a role in the regulation of inflammation and apoptosis. Mutation of the NALP3 nucleotide-binding domain reduced ATP binding, CASP1 activation, IL1B production, cell death, macromolecular complex formation, self-association, and association with ASC. Consistent with an essential role for Nlrp3 inflammasomes in antifungal immunity, Gross et al.showed that Nlrp3-deficient mice are hypersusceptible to C. albicans infection. Activation of the NLRP3 inflammasome in response to virus or to RNA was dependent upon lysosomal maturation and reactive oxygen species production in human cells. The NLRP3 inflammasome senses obesity-associated danger signals and contributes to obesity-induced inflammation and insulin resistance.