Linking retroelements to autoimmunity

Cell. 2008 Aug 22;134(4):569-71. doi: 10.1016/j.cell.2008.08.010.

Abstract

In this issue, Stetson et al. (2008) report a mechanism by which host cells avert an autoimmune response to self-nucleic acids. They show that the nuclease Trex1 prevents the accumulation of DNA derived from endogenous retroelements that, if left unchecked, trigger elevated production of type I interferons leading to autoimmunity.

Publication types

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

MeSH terms

  • Animals
  • Autoimmune Diseases
  • Autoimmunity*
  • DNA, Single-Stranded / immunology*
  • Exodeoxyribonucleases / immunology*
  • Humans
  • Interferon Type I / immunology
  • Mice
  • Phosphoproteins / immunology*
  • Retroelements / immunology*

Substances

  • DNA, Single-Stranded
  • Interferon Type I
  • Phosphoproteins
  • Retroelements
  • Exodeoxyribonucleases
  • three prime repair exonuclease 1