Top 100 most-cited articles on NLRP3 (2000–2024): a retrospective analysis

TL;DR

This paper analyzes the top 100 most-cited NLRP3 inflammasome studies to identify research trends, key contributors, and future directions in the field.

Contribution

The study provides a comprehensive overview of NLRP3 research trends and key players from 2000 to 2024, highlighting interdisciplinary growth and future translational directions.

Findings

The USA, Nature journal, and the University of Massachusetts are central to NLRP3 research output and citations.

E. Latz is the most prolific and highly cited author in the field.

Future research is expected to focus on NLRP3 inhibitors, activators, and non-immune cell functions.

Abstract

This study aims to identify and analyze the top 100 most-cited articles in the NLRP3 research field to uncover research trends, key contributors, and collaborative networks, thereby providing insights into the development and future directions of NLRP3 inflammasome studies.

A comprehensive search was conducted using the Web of Science and PubMed from January 2000 to December 2024. Search terms included “NLRP3” and related nomenclature. Articles were screened and sorted by citation frequency, and the top 100 were selected for detailed analysis of citations, authors, countries, institutions, journals, funding sources, and research fields.

These articles covered 20 publishers, 218 funds, 19 research fields, 811 authors, 25 countries, 46 journals, and 224 institutions. Among these authors, Latz E published the largest number of articles and had the highest citation frequency and the strongest co-authorship ties. Among these countries, USA published the largest number of articles and had the highest citation frequency and the strongest co-authorship ties. Among these institutions, University of Massachusetts published the largest number of articles and had the highest citation frequency and the strongest co-authorship ties. Among these journals, Nature published the largest number of articles and had the highest citation frequency and the strongest co-authorship ties.

This retrospective analysis highlights the growing interest and interdisciplinary nature of NLRP3 inflammasome research. The USA, leading institutions, and high-impact journals play central roles in shaping the field. Future research is expected to focus on translational applications, including the development of NLRP3 inhibitors and activators, and exploring NLRP3 functions in non-immune cells.

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