NLRP3 and systemic lupus erythematosus: Studies have found that in mouse models of lupus, the NLRP3-ASC-Caspase-1 signaling pathway is activated, and with a P2X7 receptor blocker (selective potassium channel inhibitor), the activity of the whole pathway was inhibited; thus, specific inhibition of the P2X7 receptor might represent a new direction for SLE therapy [4].