Pyrin (MEFV)

Inflammasome sensor protein (mutated in FMF)

Expression
Gain-of-function mutations
Evidence level
established
Targeted by
Colchicine (indirect)

Role in pathogenesis

Pyrin is encoded by the MEFV gene and acts as an intracellular 'guard' sensor for RhoA GTPase activity. In healthy cells, pyrin is kept inactive by PKN1/PKN2-mediated phosphorylation and 14-3-3 protein binding. FMF mutations in the B30.2 domain impair this regulation, allowing pyrin inflammasome assembly upon dephosphorylation alone. This is the root cause of FMF.

Targeting drugs (1)

DrugMechanismResponseLine
ColchicineMicrotubule disruption; reduces leukocyte motility and phagocytosis~95% (attack prevention)1st