The concept of autoinflammatory diseases was first proposed by McDermott and colleagues 15 years ago upon the elucidation of the genetic cause of TNF Receptor Associated Periodic Syndrome (TRAPS), the second of the prototypic periodic fevers; following just two years after the identification of MEFV the Familial Mediterranean Fever (FMF) gene. The gene discussed is MEFV; the disease is familial Mediterranean fever.