Work

Toll-like receptor–independent gene induction program activated by mammalian DNA escaped from apoptotic DNA degradation

Year: 2005

Type: article

Abstract: Deoxyribonuclease (DNase) II in macrophages cleaves the DNA of engulfed apoptotic cells and of nuclei expelled from erythroid precursor cells. DNase II-deficient mouse embryos accumulate undigested DNA in macrophages, and die in feto because of the activation of the interferon beta (IFNbeta) gene. Here, we found that the F4/80-positive macrophages in DNase II(-/-) fetal liver specifically produce a set of cytokines such as IFNbeta, TNFalpha, and CXCL10. Whereas, IFN-inducible genes (2'5'-oligo(A) synthetase, IRF7, and ISG15) were expressed not only in macrophages but also in other F4/80-negative cells. When DNase II(-/-) macrophages or embryonal fibroblasts engulfed apoptotic cells, they expressed the IFNbeta and CXCL10 genes. The ablation of Toll-like receptor (TLR) 3 and 9, or their adaptor molecules (MyD88 and TRIF), had no effect on the lethality of the DNase II(-/-) mice. These results indicate that there is a TLR-independent sensing mechanism to activate the innate immunity for the endogenous DNA escaping lysosomal degradation.

Source: The Journal of Experimental Medicine

DOI: 10.1084/jem.20051654

Authors: Yasutaka Okabe, Kohki Kawane, Shizuo Akira, Tadatsugu Taniguchi, Shigekazu Nagata

Institutions: The University of Osaka, The University of Tokyo

Language: English

Topic: Immune Response and Inflammation

Subfield: Immunology

Field: Immunology and Microbiology

Domain: Life Sciences

SDG: Good health and well-being

Open Access status: bronze

OpenAlex ID: W2102572106