NEK7 is an essential regulator in NLRP3 inflammasome assembly of common carp (Cyprinus carpio L.).

The NIMA-related kinase 7 (NEK7), a member of the Never in Mitosis Gene A (NIMA) kinase family, participates in the assembly of the NLRP3 inflammasome in mammalian. However, it is currently unclear that the functions of NEK7 in the activation and assembly of NLRP3 inflammasome in teleost. In this research, the cDNA sequence of NEK7 of common carp (CcNEK7) was cloned and its role in the assembly of CcNLRP3 inflammasome was investigated. CcNEK7 was conserved throughout evolution, with its amino acid sequence, three-dimensional structure, and subcellular localization being similar to those in mammals. qPCR detection showed that CcNEK7 had the highest expression levels in the spleen of healthy common carp and could respond to bacteria and virus infection. It was additionally discovered that CcNEK7 can interact with CcNLRP3 and promote the oligomerization of CcNLRP3 and CcASC. Additionally, CcNEK7 significantly increased the CcNLRP3-induced cytotoxicity and pyroptosis, suggesting that CcNEK7 may exerts a regulatory function in the assembly of the CcNLRP3 inflammasome. These results provide a foundation for further understanding the assembly and regulation mechanisms of the inflammasome in bony fish, and also provides a target and theoretical framework for preventing and controlling of various aquatic animal diseases.