NLRP3 and neoplasm: As a variety of genetic alterations, including gain-of-function mutations and copy number gains, may contribute to the overall activation state of NLRP3 in tumors, functional NLRP3 activation assays, such as NLRP3-ASC co-localization studies, using tumor tissue specimens may serve as a surrogate capable of capturing those tumors utilizing NLRP3 to suppress immune surveillance.