NLRP12

Nucleotide-binding oligomerization domain-like receptor (NLR) pyrin domain (PYD)-containing protein 12 (NLRP12; also known as NACHT, LRR and PYD domains-containing protein 12 or NALP12) is a protein that in humans is encoded by the NLRP12 gene.

NLRP Structure
NLRPs, or NALPs, are cytoplasmic innate immune sensors that form a subfamily within the larger CATERPILLER protein family. Most short NLRP proteins, including NLRP12, have an N-terminal pyrin (MEFV; MIM 608107) domain (PYD), followed by a NACHT domain, a NACHT-associated domain (NAD), and a C-terminal leucine-rich repeat (LRR) region. The long NALP, NALP1 (MIM 606636), also has a C-terminal extension containing a function to find domain (FIIND) and a caspase recruitment domain (CARD). Some NLRPs, including NLRP12, are implicated in the activation of proinflammatory caspases (e.g., CASP1; MIM 147678) via their involvement in multiprotein complexes called inflammasomes in context-dependent manners (Tschopp et al., 2003).[supplied by OMIM]

NLRP12 Function and Pathology
NLRP12 is an innate immune cytosolic sensor and signaling molecule linked to several infections and inflammatory disorders. It can form multimeric protein cell death complexes known as inflammasomes and PANoptosomes in response to specific stimuli. NLRP12 has been reported as both a positive and negative regulator of immune signaling in context-dependent manners. Infection with certain pathogens, such as Yersinia pestis or Plasmodium chabaudi, activates the NLRP12 inflammasome to release the inflammatory cytokines IL-1β and IL-18, which may help protect against severe infection. However, NLRP12 acts as a negative regulator of the NF-kB and MAPK signaling pathways following infection with Salmonella enterica serovar Typhimurium, vesicular stomatitis virus, Klebsiella pneumoniae, or Mycobacterium tuberculosis, and in certain malignancies. NLRP12 also inhibits signaling in T cells, which is linked to reduced atypical neuroinflammation and atopic dermatitis in mouse models. NLRP12 has also been identified as an innate immune sensor that triggers inflammatory cell death, PANoptosis, and pathology when heme is combined with specific components of cellular injury or infection. This combination enables NLRP12 to assemble the NLRP12-PANoptosome and trigger cell death via caspase-8 and RIPK3. NLRP12 expression is also elevated in patients with hemolytic diseases such as sickle cell disease and malaria, as well as infections such as SARS-CoV-2, influenza, and bacterial pneumonia. Deletion of Nlrp12 protects against pathology in animal models of hemolytic disease.