An updated view on the structure and function of PYRIN domains

Apoptosis. 2015 Feb;20(2):157-73. doi: 10.1007/s10495-014-1065-1.

Abstract

The PYRIN domain (PYD) is a protein-protein interaction domain, which belongs to the death domain fold (DDF) superfamily. It is best known for its signaling function in innate immune responses and particularly in the assembly of inflammasomes, which are large protein complexes that allow the induced proximity-mediated activation of caspase-1 and subsequently the release of pro-inflammatory cytokines. The molecular mechanism of inflammasome assembly was only recently elucidated and specifically requires PYD oligomerization. Here we discuss the recent advances in our understanding of PYD signaling and its regulation by PYD-only proteins.

Publication types

  • Research Support, N.I.H., Extramural
  • Research Support, Non-U.S. Gov't

MeSH terms

  • Adaptor Proteins, Signal Transducing / chemistry*
  • Amino Acid Sequence
  • Animals
  • Cytoskeletal Proteins / chemistry
  • Humans
  • Inflammasomes / metabolism
  • Models, Molecular
  • Molecular Sequence Data
  • Protein Interaction Domains and Motifs
  • Pyrin

Substances

  • Adaptor Proteins, Signal Transducing
  • Cytoskeletal Proteins
  • Inflammasomes
  • MEFV protein, human
  • Pyrin