A basic function of the NLR family is control and detection of neuropeptide expression.

Quantity of gene product present in the cell is strictly held under transcriptional control. Molecules with bioactive properties, like neuropeptides involved in feeding, anxiety and social behaviors, may be guarded at the level of quantity through distinct mechanisms to prevent ensuing disease related to or based on derestricted function of the guarded gene product. We describe here a basic function of innate immune receptors of the NLR family, discerned using systems biologic methods, which is the control and detection of neuropeptide expression.