Intracellular nucleic acid sensors and autoimmunity.

Abstract

A collection of molecular sensors has been defined by studies in the last decade that can recognize a diverse array of pathogens and initiate protective immune and inflammatory responses. However, if the molecular signatures recognized are shared by both foreign and self-molecules, as is the case of nucleic acids, then the responses initiated by these sensors may have deleterious consequences. Notably, this adverse occurrence may be of primary importance in autoimmune disease pathogenesis. In this case, microbe-induced damage or mishandled physiologic processes could lead to the generation of microparticles containing self-nucleic acids. These particles may inappropriately gain access to the cytosol or endolysosomes and, hence, engage resident RNA and DNA sensors. Evidence, as reviewed here, strongly indicates that these sensors are primary contributors to autoimmune disease pathogenesis, spearheading efforts toward development of novel therapeutics for these disorders.

• Authors: Argyrios N Theofilopoulos, Dwight H Kono, Bruce Beutler, Roberto Baccala
• Journal: Journal of interferon & cytokine research : the official journal of the International Society for Interferon and Cytokine Research (J Interferon Cytokine Res) Vol. 31 Issue 12 Pg. 867-86 (Dec 2011) ISSN: 1557-7465 [Electronic] United States
• PMID: 22029446 (Publication Type: Journal Article, Research Support, N.I.H., Extramural, Research Support, Non-U.S. Gov't, Review)

Chemical References

• Autoantigens
• Nucleic Acids
• Receptors, Immunologic

Topics

• Autoantigens (immunology)
• Autoimmune Diseases (immunology)
• Autoimmunity (immunology)
• Cytosol (immunology)
• Humans
• Models, Immunological
• Nucleic Acids (immunology)
• Organelles (immunology, metabolism)
• Receptors, Immunologic (immunology, metabolism)
• Signal Transduction (immunology)