Using in vitro co-culture system of NK cell line NK-92 and HCC cells, it has been shown that NLRP3 down-modulation in HCC cells induces lowered expression of metalloproteinase, subsequent to MICA upregulation which in turn increases NK-92 toxicity, through NKG2D binding (92). The gene discussed is KLRK1; the disease is hepatocellular carcinoma.