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26 Chapter 1 Figure 3. NLR family pyrin domain containing 3 (NLRP3) inflammasome. NLR family pyrin domain containing 3 (NLRP3) was previously known as NACHT, LRR and PYD domains-containing protein 3 (NALP3). It is themajor component of the NLRP3 inflammasome. NLRP3 consists of three components: NACHT, LRR and PYD. NACHT, LRR, and PYD are abbreviations for the following: (a) NACHT – which on itself is composed of the abbreviations of NAIP (neuronal apoptosis inhibitor protein), C2TA (class 2 transcription activator, of the major histabilility compex), HET-E (heterokaryon incompatibility) and TP1 (telomerase-associated protein 1); (b) LRR – "leucine-rich repeat" which is synonymous with NLR (nucleotide-binding domain, leucine- rich repeat); (c) PYD – "PYRIN domain," after the pyrin proteins. Adapted from Silvis et al. 80 Crystalline threats in atherothrombosis exist in the formof crystallised cholesterol. The solubility and transition from liquid to a solid cholesterol crystal state is determined by its concentration and physical factors (temperature, acidity, blood pressure). 85 Differences in these factor may lead to the formation of microcrystals with needle or dendrite morphologies. 86 Their presence in atherosclerosis was initially considered to be a phenomenon in advanced lesions, but new conservation techniques made clear they occur as early as two weeks after the initiation of an atherogenic diet in a mouse model. 87,88 The crystals are found both in the subendothelium and in the necrotic core, mostly in the extracellular matrix. 89 The cholesterol crystals in the arterial vessel wall evoke NLRP3 inflammasome–