A positive effect of NEK7 on NLRP3 was observed, and the low expression of NLRP3 in SLE patients might be related to the low expression of NEK7. Overexpression of Caspase-1 in SLE patients mediates the maturation and release of IL-1b and IL-18, and contributes to the pathogenesis of SLE and LN. This evidence concerns the gene IL18 and systemic lupus erythematosus.