NLR Family, Pyrin Domain Containing Protein 2 (NLRP2)

NALP proteins, such as NALP2, are characterized by an N-terminal pyrin domain (PYD) and are involved in the activation of caspase-1 (CASP1) by Toll-like receptors. They may also be involved in protein complexes that activate proinflammatory caspases. The 1,062-amino acid NALP2 protein contains an N-terminal pyrin domain, followed by a NACHT domain and 8 LRRs, a structure similar to that of NALP1. RT-PCR analysis of adult and fetal tissues detected wide expression of NALP2, with highest levels in lung, placenta, and thymus, and lower expression in ovary, intestine, and brain. Immunoblot analysis showed variable expression in cancer cell lines. Confocal microscopy demonstrated a predominantly cytosolic localization for NALP2.