NLRP3 and systemic lupus erythematosus: For patients with SLE, after continuous methylprednisolone treatment (40 mg/day for 2 weeks), SLEDAI scores were reduced, clinical symptoms were relieved, and the mRNA and protein expression levels of NEK7, NLRP3, and ASC in PBMCs from SLE patients were up-regulated, suggesting that the NEK7–NLRP3 complex might act as a protective factor during the pathogenesis of SLE.