gene family proteins was also due to the ability of pathogens to subvert the defense mechanism of the host. Therefore, the organisms were forced to device new ways of detecting and counteracting the effects of the resistant pathogens. The evolution of the NLR proteins defines the origin of the NLRP2 gene. The NLRP2 gene is now an innate immune sensor for pathogens and sterile stress signal (SSS) in multi-cellular organisms. Mutation and infertility The deficiency of NLRP2 gene results in the inhibition of the activation of oocytes. The NLRP2 gene is exclusively expressed in oocytes. Therefore, it regulates the quality of the oocytes, which explains its relation to infertility in females. References Further reading LRR proteins NOD-like receptors