NLRP13

NLRP13 is a member of the NLRP (NOD-like receptor pyrin domain-containing) family, which is a group of proteins involved in the regulation of the immune system. NLRP13 is encoded by the NLRP13 gene in humans.

Structure

NLRP13, like other members of the NLRP family, contains several key domains:

• An N-terminal Pyrin domain (PYD)
• A central NACHT domain
• C-terminal Leucine-rich repeats (LRRs)

These domains are crucial for the protein's function in immune response regulation.

Function

NLRP13 is involved in the regulation of inflammation and the activation of caspase-1, which is essential for the processing and secretion of pro-inflammatory cytokines such as IL-1β and IL-18. The exact mechanisms by which NLRP13 regulates these processes are still under investigation.

Expression

The NLRP13 gene is expressed in various tissues, including the immune cells, epithelial cells, and certain neuronal cells. Its expression can be induced by inflammatory stimuli and other stress signals.

Clinical Significance

Mutations in the NLRP13 gene have been associated with certain autoinflammatory diseases. These conditions are characterized by recurrent episodes of inflammation without an apparent infectious cause. Research is ongoing to better understand the role of NLRP13 in these diseases and its potential as a therapeutic target.

Related Proteins

NLRP13 is part of a larger family of NLRP proteins, which includes:

• NLRP1
• NLRP3
• NLRP6
• NLRP12

Each of these proteins has distinct but sometimes overlapping roles in the regulation of the immune response.

See Also

• Inflammasome
• Cytokine
• Autoinflammatory disease
• NLRP family