NLRP3 [NOD-like receptor (NLR) family, pyrin containing domain 3] is a critical cytosolic receptor that can sense bacterial, fungal and viral infections, as well as other signal molecules such as extracellular ATP (released during bacterial infection or tissue damage), nigericin (a microbial toxin derived from Streptomyces hygroscopicus), and monosodium urate crystals (MSU, causative factor of gout) (12). The gene discussed is NLRP3; the disease is gout.