NLRP3 and atherosclerosis: Indeed, gain-of-function mutations in the NLRP3 gene cause Cryopyrin-associated periodic syndrome (CAPS) autoinflammation, and inappropriate activation of NLRP3 contributes to a number of multifactorial diseases including gouty arthritis, atherosclerosis, diabetes, neurodegenerative disorders, and ischemia-reperfusion insults1.