Work

Braking the system: the aryl hydrocarbon receptor controls monocytes in homeostasis

Year: 2025

Type: article

Abstract: The aryl hydrocarbon receptor (AhR) is increasingly recognized as a physiologic modulator of the immune response, a function that extends beyond its established role as a sensor for environmental xenobiotics. In a recent report published in the JCI, Cros et al. demonstrate that the AhR restrains tonic, microbiota-driven inflammatory cytokine production in monocytes. Through the combined use of murine models, human ex vivo systems, and the analysis of patient-derived data, Cros and coworkers established that the AhR limits stimulator of IFN gene-induced (STING-induced) proinflammatory signals. These findings define cell type-specific physiologic roles for the AhR in the regulation of innate immunity and underscore its potential as a therapeutic target for the treatment of inflammatory and autoimmune diseases.

Source: Journal of Clinical Investigation

DOI: 10.1172/jci199952

Authors: Jessica E. Kenison, Francisco J. Quintana

Institutions: Broad Institute, Brigham and Women's Hospital, Harvard University, Massachusetts General Hospital

Language: English

Topic: interferon and immune responses

Subfield: Immunology

Field: Immunology and Microbiology

Domain: Life Sciences

SDG: Good health and well-being

Open Access status: gold

Estimated APC paid: $5,200