The Nucleotide‐binding Domain, Leucine‐rich Repeat‐containing Protein (NLR) Family of Intracellular Sensors

The nucleotide‐binding domain and leucine‐rich‐repeat‐containing (NLR) family of molecules mediate host immunity to various pathogenic stimuli. In humans, this is comprised of a 20+ member gene family. Proteins within the NLR family show remarkable conservation in evolution and are preserved from plants to animals. They also bear structural similarities to the death inducing molecule, APAF‐1. These proteins regulate various key signaling pathways, such as NF‐kB, MAPK, caspase activation, interferon production, apoptosis and necrosis. Their wide‐ranging biochemical functions are paralleled by their importance in a range of diseases. We will discuss the roles of NLRs in host response to microbial pathogens as well as to pathogenic self‐molecules that lead to inflammatory disorders. Together, these data place NLRs as key regulators of immune signaling, inflammation and infection that would impact both immunologic and non‐immunologic diseases.