FLAME3 · Molecular Determinants of NLRP3 Inflammasome Activity and Regulation

Inflammation underlies many of the world’s most prevalent diseases, including Alzheimer’s disease, type 2 diabetes and rare autoinflammatory syndromes. NLRP3 is a central inflammasome sensor and a key mediator of inflammatory diseases, often serving as a model for the field, yet its activation and regulatory mechanisms remain incompletely understood. This gap limits our ability to interpret patient variants and to design targeted interventions. This project aims to establish a comprehensive framework explaining how NLRP3 integrates signals, undergoes conformational transitions, and its activity can be selectively modulated.To this end, we propose FLAME3 (Functional Landscape of NLRP3 Activation and regulation by deep Mutational scanning and Engineering), focused on deciphering the molecular determinants of NLRP3 regulation. FLAME3 combines complementary methodologies. Deep mutational scanning will generate a complete functional map of NLRP3, identifying regulatory hotspots and variants with altered activity. AI-assisted de novo protein design will be used to generate binders probing allosteric sites. Structural biology and cellular assays will dissect how these sites control inflammasome assembly and downstream signaling. Functional maps will then be cross-referenced with patient genetic datasets to highlight clinically relevant variants and link molecular changes to disease risk.The project aligns with the MSCA work programme by delivering interdisciplinary research that advances fundamental knowledge while opening translational opportunities. Expected outcomes include a structure–function atlas of NLRP3, validated molecular tools for probing its regulation, and an integrated map of genetic variants with clinical relevance. Together, these results will provide durable resources for the scientific community, strengthen Europe’s leadership in inflammation research, and create new entry points for therapeutic strategies against inflammation-driven diseases.