NLRP2 (NLR family pyrin domain containing 2) is a member of the Nod-like receptor (NLR) family, characterized by an N-terminal pyrin domain (PYD), a central NACHT domain, and C-terminal leucine-rich repeats (LRRs). Encoded on chromosome 19q13.42, NLRP2 is widely expressed across tissues, with particularly high levels in the placenta, lung, thymus, and notably in oocytes and early embryos. Functionally, NLRP2 has emerged as a pleiotropic regulator with seemingly context-dependent roles. It can modulate innate immune signaling by inhibiting NF-κB activation and interacting with components of the IKK complex, while also promoting caspase-1 activation and IL-1β secretion, suggesting a role in inflammasome assembly. Beyond immunity, NLRP2 is essential for female reproduction, functioning as a non-core component of the subcortical maternal complex (SCMC) critical for preimplantation embryonic development; its deficiency or mutation is associated with female infertility and embryonic developmental arrest. Although historically less studied than NLRP1 or NLRP3, emerging evidence implicates NLRP2 in diverse pathological contexts, including neuroinflammation, ischemic stroke, and kidney damage, underscoring its potential as a therapeutic target.