One possible explanation comes from the recent study by Yao et al. who have shown that mice bearing a NLRP3 mutation that replicates that in patients with CAPS (Nlrp3R258W) not only maintain normal homeostasis in the unperturbed gut, they are resistant to colitis induced by DSS administration and neoplasia induced by DSS plus AOM administration (11). The gene discussed is NLRP3; the disease is cryopyrin-associated periodic syndrome.