PYCARD Gene
PYD and CARD Domain Containing (ASC) (PYCARD) is a gene involved in inflammasome assembly that has been studied in relation to immune function, metabolism, and chronic illness. Variants in PYCARD may influence how the body responds to infection, inflammation, and long-term recovery.
This page is for educational and informational purposes only. Not a diagnostic tool. Always consult a qualified healthcare provider.
What is the PYCARD gene?
PYCARD encodes pyd and card domain containing (asc), a protein involved in inflammasome assembly. It belongs to the Innate Immunity category and is part of the Innate Immunity & Pattern Recognition biological cluster. PYCARD encodes ASC, the inflammasome adaptor protein that bridges sensor proteins like NLRP3 to pro-caspase-1 for activation.
Biological role and pathway
PYCARD is involved in the inflammasome assembly pathway, which plays a central role in regulating physiological processes relevant to immune defence, cellular energy, and systemic homeostasis. Genes within the Innate Immunity & Pattern Recognition cluster work together to maintain balanced function across interconnected biological systems.
Variants in genes within this pathway may influence an individual's predisposition to altered function in these systems — particularly under conditions of physiological stress such as viral infection or prolonged illness.
PYCARD and Long COVID / ME-CFS research
ASC-dependent inflammasome assembly is a key driver of IL-1beta and IL-18 release; variants may influence inflammatory severity in Long COVID.
This information is based on published research and does not constitute medical advice. See references below.
Known genetic variants
The following variants (SNPs) in the PYCARD gene have been studied in relation to innate immunity and chronic illness. Each variant represents a single nucleotide position where individuals may carry different alleles.
- rs4241160— PYCARD variant
Conditions studied in relation to PYCARD
Research into PYCARD variants has explored associations with the following conditions. These are areas of scientific investigation and do not imply that PYCARD causes or treats any condition.
Genetic insights from DNA data
Consumer DNA files from 23andMe, AncestryDNA, and MyHeritage contain raw SNP data. When you upload your file to ChronicDNA, the analysis engine checks your genotype against a curated panel of 80+ genes selected for their relevance to Long COVID, ME/CFS, and connected biological pathways - some of which may include PYCARD and related genes in the innate immunity & pattern recognition pathway.
The report is educational - it explains which variants you carry, what the research says about them, and how they fit into the biological pathways most relevant to chronic illness. Results are presented in plain English with appropriate scientific context, no medical jargon, no scare tactics. All results should be discussed with a qualified healthcare provider.
Related genes in the Innate Immunity & Pattern Recognition pathway
PYCARD does not act in isolation. The following genes are functionally related and may be analysed together for a more complete picture of your genetic predispositions.
Frequently asked questions
What is the PYCARD gene and what does it do?
PYCARD (PYD and CARD Domain Containing (ASC)) is involved in inflammasome assembly. PYCARD encodes ASC, the inflammasome adaptor protein that bridges sensor proteins like NLRP3 to pro-caspase-1 for activation.
How may PYCARD gene variants relate to Long COVID or ME/CFS?
ASC-dependent inflammasome assembly is a key driver of IL-1beta and IL-18 release; variants may influence inflammatory severity in Long COVID.
Can a DNA test reveal information about my PYCARD gene?
Consumer DNA data from 23andMe, AncestryDNA, and MyHeritage includes SNP variants for many genes. ChronicDNA analyses your raw DNA file and reports on variants that have been studied in relation to chronic illness, immune function, and metabolism. This is not a diagnostic service — results are informational and educational only.
Explore your PYCARD genetic insights
Upload your DNA data from 23andMe, AncestryDNA, or MyHeritage and receive a personalised report covering >80 genes relevant to Long COVID and ME/CFS.
Get Your Personalised DNA ReportInformational and educational only · Not a diagnostic tool · GDPR compliant
References
The following publications were used in compiling the research context for PYCARD. This is not an exhaustive literature review.
- [1]PMID: 34088393
- [2]Nature Genetics
- [3]Journal of Clinical Investigation