This gene encodes a member of the nucleotide-binding oligomerization domain/ leucine rich repeat/ pyrin domain containing (NLRP) subfamily, which belongs to the Nod-like receptor family of proteins. NLRP genes play roles in the mammalian innate immune system through inflammasome formation and activation of caspases. In addition, NLRP genes have been found to function during mammalian reproduction. Consistent with a function during human preimplantation development, this gene is expressed at high levels in oocytes with decreased levels in embryos. Alternative splicing results in multiple transcript variants. [provided by RefSeq, Sep 2016].