NALPs: a novel protein family involved in inflammation

Nat Rev Mol Cell Biol. 2003 Feb;4(2):95-104. doi: 10.1038/nrm1019.

Abstract

A newly discovered family of cytoplasmic proteins--the NALPs--has been implicated in the activation of caspase-1 by the Toll-like receptors (TLRs) during the cell's response to microbial infection. Like the structurally related apoptotic protease-activating factor-1 (APAF-1), which is responsible for the activation of caspase-9, the NALP1 protein forms a large, signal-induced multiprotein complex, the inflammasome, resulting in the activation of pro-inflammatory caspases.

Publication types

  • Review

MeSH terms

  • Adaptor Proteins, Signal Transducing*
  • Apoptosis / physiology
  • Apoptosis Regulatory Proteins
  • Apoptotic Protease-Activating Factor 1
  • Caspase 9
  • Caspases / metabolism*
  • Drosophila Proteins*
  • Enzyme Activation
  • Humans
  • Inflammation / enzymology*
  • Macromolecular Substances
  • Membrane Glycoproteins / physiology
  • Multigene Family
  • Multiprotein Complexes
  • NLR Proteins
  • Proteins / physiology*
  • Receptors, Cell Surface / physiology
  • Toll-Like Receptors

Substances

  • APAF1 protein, human
  • Adaptor Proteins, Signal Transducing
  • Apoptosis Regulatory Proteins
  • Apoptotic Protease-Activating Factor 1
  • Drosophila Proteins
  • Macromolecular Substances
  • Membrane Glycoproteins
  • Multiprotein Complexes
  • NLR Proteins
  • NLRP1 protein, human
  • Proteins
  • Receptors, Cell Surface
  • Toll-Like Receptors
  • CASP9 protein, human
  • Caspase 9
  • Caspases