The role of post-translational modifications of cGAS in γδ T cells

Mol Immunol. 2024 Nov:175:146-154. doi: 10.1016/j.molimm.2024.10.002. Epub 2024 Oct 21.

Abstract

Cyclic GMP-AMP (cGAMP) synthase (cGAS) senses DNA in a sequence-independent manner, triggering cGAMP synthesis, which activates stimulator of interferon genes (STING) and the subsequent expression of type I interferons, tumour necrosis factor alpha (TNF-α) and other proinflammatory factors in two downstream pathways. However, the function of the cGASSTING pathway in γδ T cells remains unclear. The γδ T-cell population differs from the innate-like lymphocyte population, particularly with respect to tissue distribution, indicating the unique potential of γδ T cells in treating infections and cancers. On the basis of accumulating evidence, cGAS activity is modulated by protein posttranslational modifications (PTMs), including phosphorylation, O-GlcNAcylation, acetylation, ubiquitylation and methylation, which affect multiple cGAS functions. Thus, here, we summarize recent research on PTMs of the cGAS protein that modulate γδ T-cell function. An understanding of cGAS features and modulation mechanisms may facilitate the design of therapies for γδ T-cell-related immune diseases and cancer.

Keywords: Post-translational (PTM); STING; cGAS; γδ T cells.

Publication types

  • Review

MeSH terms

  • Animals
  • Humans
  • Neoplasms / immunology
  • Neoplasms / metabolism
  • Nucleotidyltransferases* / immunology
  • Nucleotidyltransferases* / metabolism
  • Protein Processing, Post-Translational* / immunology
  • Receptors, Antigen, T-Cell, gamma-delta* / immunology
  • Receptors, Antigen, T-Cell, gamma-delta* / metabolism
  • T-Lymphocytes / immunology
  • T-Lymphocytes / metabolism

Substances

  • Nucleotidyltransferases
  • Receptors, Antigen, T-Cell, gamma-delta
  • cGAS protein, human