NOD2: Proteins and Enzymes

NOD2 (nucleotide-binding oligomerization domain containing 2) is a member of the apoptosis regulating protein family that includes caspase recruitment-domains, as well as Apaf-1 and NOD1. It contains two N-terminal CARDs, a nucleotide binding domain (NBD), and multiple C-terminal leucine-rich repeats (LRRs). NOD2 is expressed in monocytes (whereas NOD1 is expressed in multiple tissues). NOD2 plays a role in regulating NF-kappaB. It also acts as an intracellular receptor for bacterial lipopolysaccharides and contributes to inflammatory bowel disease (IBD) and Crohn's disease.