NLRP2/NALP2: Proteins and Enzymes

NALP2 (NAcht Leucine-rich repeat Protein 2, also known as NLRP2 and PAN1) is a cytosolic, 121 kDa member of the NLRP family of proteins. It is expressed in macrophages and exhibits divergent effects on inflammation. Via NF kappa B, it suppresses TNF-alpha production in response to LPS; via procaspase-1, it promotes proIL-1 beta cleavage and release. Human NALP2 is 1062 amino acids (aa) in length. It contains an N-terminal Pyrin domain (aa 9-90), followed by a Nacht region and nine LRRs (aa 467-1033). Four alternate isoforms exist. Three show deletions of aa's 109-132, 133-154 and 847-1062, respectively; a fourth shows a 38 aa substitution for aa's 1-903. No close rodent counterparts have been reported.