Mouse Neuronal Apoptosis Inhibitory Protein (NAIP) Protein

Background

NLR Family Apoptosis Inhibitory Protein (NAIP) is a member of the NOD-like receptor (NLR) family involved in innate immunity and apoptosis regulation It plays a key role in forming the inflammasome, a multiprotein complex that activates caspase-1 leading to the maturation of IL-1β and IL-18 during immune responses NAIP recognizes bacterial flagellin and type III secretion system components triggering the activation of NLRC4 inflammasomes particularly in macrophages NAIP’s anti-apoptotic role is mediated through inhibition of caspase activity which helps protect cells during stress or infection Dysregulation of NAIP expression has been associated with neurodegenerative diseases such as spinal muscular atrophy (SMA) where deletions or mutations in the NAIP gene contribute to motor neuron degeneration Elevated levels of NAIP have also been observed in cancer cells where it aids in apoptosis resistance and tumor progression highlighting its dual role in survival and immune defense