NEK7 kinase in inactive (left) and active forms, molecular model. NEK7 is an enzyme that plays an important role in mitotic cell cycle progression. It is also involved in the activation of the NLRP3 inflammasome protein complex. Inflammasomes are part of the immune system responsible for the activation of inflammatory responses. Malfunctioning of this inflammation activation can lead to cancer and autoimmune and neurodegenerative diseases.