Myeloid cell neuropilin 1 ameliorates high-fat diet-induced insulin resistance via suppression of Nlrp3 inflammasome.

The history of neuropilin 1 (Nrp1) research is checkered with many unexpected and exciting findings. Nrp1 functions as a co-receptor for class 3 semaphorins, and several canonical growth factors, including vascular endothelial growth factor (VEGF) and hepatocyte growth factor (HGF). It has been implicated in the development of central nervous system, angiogenesis, and migration. Accumulating evidence demonstrates that Nrp1 is also highly expressed in immune cells, including macrophages and dendritic cells. Until now, the functions of Nrp1 within these cells remained poorly studied and elusive. Here, we provide exciting insights on a novel role for myeloid cell Nrp1 in the mitigation of dietary insulin resistance through inhibiting Nlrp3 inflammasome.