Furthermore, on the basis of elucidating a possible association between the activation of NLRP3 inflammasome and the pathogenesis of AAN, we also demonstrated for the first time that administration of IL-22 could attenuate renal tubular lesion and function loss in AAN through inhibition of renal activation of NLRP3 inflammasome. The gene discussed is NLRP3; the disease is Balkan nephropathy.