cGAS in action: Expanding roles in immunity and inflammation.

Abstract

DNA is highly immunogenic. It represents a key pathogen-associated molecular pattern (PAMP) during infection. Host DNA can, however, also act as a danger-associated molecular pattern (DAMP) and elicit strong inflammatory responses. The cGAS-STING pathway has emerged as a major pathway that detects intracellular DNA. Here, we highlight recent advances on how cGAS and STING mediate inflammatory responses and how these are regulated, allowing cells to readily respond to infections and noxious agents while avoiding the inappropriate sensing of self-DNA. A particular focus is placed on the role of cGAS in the context of sterile inflammatory conditions. Manipulating cGAS or STING may open the door for new therapeutic strategies for the treatment of acute and chronic inflammation relevant to many human diseases.

• Authors: Andrea Ablasser, Zhijian J Chen
• Journal: Science (New York, N.Y.) (Science) Vol. 363 Issue 6431 (03 08 2019) ISSN: 1095-9203 [Electronic] United States
• PMID: 30846571 (Publication Type: Journal Article, Research Support, N.I.H., Extramural, Research Support, Non-U.S. Gov't, Review)
• Copyright: Copyright © 2019 The Authors, some rights reserved; exclusive licensee American Association for the Advancement of Science. No claim to original U.S. Government Works.

Chemical References

• Membrane Proteins
• STING1 protein, human
• DNA
• Nucleotidyltransferases
• cGAS protein, human

Topics

• Cell Compartmentation (immunology)
• DNA (immunology)
• Enzyme Activation (immunology)
• Humans
• Immunity
• Inflammation (immunology)
• Membrane Proteins (metabolism)
• Nucleotidyltransferases (metabolism)