1
|
Chang L. Harnessing cGAS-STING axis for therapeutic benefits in systemic lupus erythematosus. Int J Rheum Dis 2024; 27:e15256. [PMID: 38982864 DOI: 10.1111/1756-185x.15256] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/29/2024] [Revised: 06/17/2024] [Accepted: 06/21/2024] [Indexed: 07/11/2024]
Abstract
The cyclic GMP-AMP synthase (cGAS), a prominent intracellular DNA sensor in mammalian cells, controls the innate immune response and the stimulator of interferon genes (STING)-mediated synthesis of pro-inflammatory cytokines, such as type-I interferon (IFN-I). For decades, IFN-I has been hypothesized to be essential in the development of systemic lupus erythematosus (SLE), a chronic multisystem autoimmunity characterized by immune complex (IC) deposition in small vessels. Recent findings revealed that the activation of the cGAS-STING pathway by self-DNA would propagate the autoimmune responses via upregulating IFN-I production in SLE. In this review, we aimed to provide a comprehensive outlook of the role of the cGAS-STING pathway in SLE pathobiology, as well as, a better understanding of current therapeutic opportunities targeting this axis.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Liu Chang
- Department of Rheumatology, Henan Provincial Hospital of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Henan University of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Zhengzhou, Henan, China
| |
Collapse
|
2
|
Toufektchan E, Dananberg A, Striepen J, Hickling JH, Shim A, Chen Y, Nichols A, Duran Paez MA, Mohr L, Bakhoum SF, Maciejowski J. Intratumoral TREX1 Induction Promotes Immune Evasion by Limiting Type I IFN. Cancer Immunol Res 2024; 12:673-686. [PMID: 38408184 PMCID: PMC11148545 DOI: 10.1158/2326-6066.cir-23-1093] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/22/2023] [Revised: 02/06/2024] [Accepted: 02/23/2024] [Indexed: 02/28/2024]
Abstract
Chromosomal instability is a hallmark of human cancer that is associated with aggressive disease characteristics. Chromosome mis-segregations help fuel natural selection, but they risk provoking a cGAS-STING immune response through the accumulation of cytosolic DNA. The mechanisms of how tumors benefit from chromosomal instability while mitigating associated risks, such as enhanced immune surveillance, are poorly understood. Here, we identify cGAS-STING-dependent upregulation of the nuclease TREX1 as an adaptive, negative feedback mechanism that promotes immune evasion through digestion of cytosolic DNA. TREX1 loss diminishes tumor growth, prolongs survival of host animals, increases tumor immune infiltration, and potentiates response to immune checkpoint blockade selectively in tumors capable of mounting a type I IFN response downstream of STING. Together, these data demonstrate that TREX1 induction shields chromosomally unstable tumors from immune surveillance by dampening type I IFN production and suggest that TREX1 inhibitors might be used to selectively target tumors that have retained the inherent ability to mount an IFN response downstream of STING. See related article by Lim et al., p. 663.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Eléonore Toufektchan
- Molecular Biology Program, Sloan Kettering Institute, Memorial Sloan Kettering Cancer Center, New York, New York
| | - Alexandra Dananberg
- Molecular Biology Program, Sloan Kettering Institute, Memorial Sloan Kettering Cancer Center, New York, New York
| | - Josefine Striepen
- Molecular Biology Program, Sloan Kettering Institute, Memorial Sloan Kettering Cancer Center, New York, New York
| | - James H. Hickling
- Molecular Biology Program, Sloan Kettering Institute, Memorial Sloan Kettering Cancer Center, New York, New York
| | - Abraham Shim
- Molecular Biology Program, Sloan Kettering Institute, Memorial Sloan Kettering Cancer Center, New York, New York
| | - Yanyang Chen
- Molecular Biology Program, Sloan Kettering Institute, Memorial Sloan Kettering Cancer Center, New York, New York
| | - Ashley Nichols
- Molecular Biology Program, Sloan Kettering Institute, Memorial Sloan Kettering Cancer Center, New York, New York
| | - Mercedes A. Duran Paez
- Human Oncology and Pathogenesis Program, Memorial Sloan Kettering Cancer Center, New York, New York
| | - Lisa Mohr
- Molecular Biology Program, Sloan Kettering Institute, Memorial Sloan Kettering Cancer Center, New York, New York
| | - Samuel F. Bakhoum
- Human Oncology and Pathogenesis Program, Memorial Sloan Kettering Cancer Center, New York, New York
- Department of Radiation Oncology, Memorial Sloan Kettering Cancer Center, New York, New York
| | - John Maciejowski
- Molecular Biology Program, Sloan Kettering Institute, Memorial Sloan Kettering Cancer Center, New York, New York
| |
Collapse
|
3
|
Queiroz MAF, Moura TCF, Bichara CDA, Lima LLPD, Oliveira AQTD, Souza RGD, Gomes STM, Amoras EDSG, Vallinoto ACR. TREX1 531C/T Polymorphism and Autoantibodies Associated with the Immune Status of HIV-1-Infected Individuals. Int J Mol Sci 2023; 24:ijms24119660. [PMID: 37298611 DOI: 10.3390/ijms24119660] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/06/2023] [Revised: 05/23/2023] [Accepted: 05/25/2023] [Indexed: 06/12/2023] Open
Abstract
Autoimmune diseases can develop during HIV-1 infection, mainly related to the individual's immune competence. The study investigated the association of the TREX1 531C/T polymorphism and antinuclear antibodies (ANA) in HIV-1 infection and the time of antiretroviral therapy (ART) used. Cross-sectional and longitudinal assessments were carried out in 150 individuals, divided into three groups: ART-naïve, 5 years and 10 years on ART; ART-naïve individuals were evaluated for 2 years after initiation of treatment. The individuals' blood samples were submitted to indirect immunofluorescence tests, real-time PCR and flow cytometry. The TREX1 531C/T polymorphism was associated with higher levels of TCD4+ lymphocytes and IFN-α in individuals with HIV-1. Individuals on ART had a higher frequency of ANA, higher levels of T CD4+ lymphocytes, a higher ratio of T CD4+/CD8+ lymphocytes and higher levels of IFN-α than therapy-naïve individuals (p < 0.05). The TREX1 531C/T polymorphism was associated with better maintenance of the immune status of individuals with HIV-1 and ANA with immune restoration in individuals on ART, indicating the need to identify individuals at risk of developing an autoimmune disease.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Maria Alice Freitas Queiroz
- Laboratory of Virology, Institute of Biological Sciences, Federal University of Pará, Belém 66075-110, Brazil
- Graduate Program in Biology of Infectious and Parasitic Agents, Institute of Biological Sciences, Federal University of Pará, Belém 66075-110, Brazil
| | - Tuane Carolina Ferreira Moura
- Laboratory of Virology, Institute of Biological Sciences, Federal University of Pará, Belém 66075-110, Brazil
- Graduate Program in Biology of Infectious and Parasitic Agents, Institute of Biological Sciences, Federal University of Pará, Belém 66075-110, Brazil
| | - Carlos David Araújo Bichara
- Laboratory of Virology, Institute of Biological Sciences, Federal University of Pará, Belém 66075-110, Brazil
- Graduate Program in Biology of Infectious and Parasitic Agents, Institute of Biological Sciences, Federal University of Pará, Belém 66075-110, Brazil
| | | | - Allysson Quintino Tenório de Oliveira
- Laboratory of Virology, Institute of Biological Sciences, Federal University of Pará, Belém 66075-110, Brazil
- Graduate Program in Biology of Infectious and Parasitic Agents, Institute of Biological Sciences, Federal University of Pará, Belém 66075-110, Brazil
| | - Ranilda Gama de Souza
- Laboratory of Virology, Institute of Biological Sciences, Federal University of Pará, Belém 66075-110, Brazil
| | | | | | - Antonio Carlos Rosário Vallinoto
- Laboratory of Virology, Institute of Biological Sciences, Federal University of Pará, Belém 66075-110, Brazil
- Graduate Program in Biology of Infectious and Parasitic Agents, Institute of Biological Sciences, Federal University of Pará, Belém 66075-110, Brazil
| |
Collapse
|
4
|
Jeremiah N, Ferran H, Antoniadou K, De Azevedo K, Nikolic J, Maurin M, Benaroch P, Manel N. RELA tunes innate-like interferon I/III responses in human T cells. J Exp Med 2023; 220:e20220666. [PMID: 36820829 PMCID: PMC9998965 DOI: 10.1084/jem.20220666] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/15/2022] [Revised: 11/11/2022] [Accepted: 01/10/2023] [Indexed: 02/24/2023] Open
Abstract
In innate immune cells, intracellular sensors such as cGAS-STING stimulate type I/III interferon (IFN) expression, which promotes antiviral defense and immune activation. However, how IFN-I/III expression is controlled in adaptive cells is poorly understood. Here, we identify a transcriptional rheostat orchestrated by RELA that confers human T cells with innate-like abilities to produce IFN-I/III. Despite intact cGAS-STING signaling, IFN-I/III responses are stunted in CD4+ T cells compared with dendritic cells or macrophages. We find that lysine residues in RELA tune the IFN-I/III response at baseline and in response to STING stimulation in CD4+ T cells. This response requires positive feedback driven by cGAS and IRF7 expression. By combining RELA with IRF3 and DNA demethylation, IFN-I/III production in CD4+ T cells reaches levels observed in dendritic cells. IFN-I/III production provides self-protection of CD4+ T cells against HIV infection and enhances the elimination of tumor cells by CAR T cells. Therefore, innate-like functions can be tuned and leveraged in human T cells.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Nadia Jeremiah
- Institut Curie, Paris Sciences et Lettres Research University, INSERM U932, Paris, France
| | - Hermine Ferran
- Institut Curie, Paris Sciences et Lettres Research University, INSERM U932, Paris, France
| | - Konstantina Antoniadou
- Institut Curie, Paris Sciences et Lettres Research University, INSERM U932, Paris, France
| | - Kevin De Azevedo
- Institut Curie, Paris Sciences et Lettres Research University, INSERM U932, Paris, France
| | - Jovan Nikolic
- Institut Curie, Paris Sciences et Lettres Research University, INSERM U932, Paris, France
| | - Mathieu Maurin
- Institut Curie, Paris Sciences et Lettres Research University, INSERM U932, Paris, France
| | - Philippe Benaroch
- Institut Curie, Paris Sciences et Lettres Research University, INSERM U932, Paris, France
| | - Nicolas Manel
- Institut Curie, Paris Sciences et Lettres Research University, INSERM U932, Paris, France
| |
Collapse
|
5
|
Fang L, Ying S, Xu X, Wu D. TREX1 cytosolic DNA degradation correlates with autoimmune disease and cancer immunity. Clin Exp Immunol 2023; 211:193-207. [PMID: 36745566 PMCID: PMC10038326 DOI: 10.1093/cei/uxad017] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/24/2022] [Revised: 01/22/2023] [Accepted: 02/03/2023] [Indexed: 02/07/2023] Open
Abstract
The N-terminal domain of Three Prime Repair Exonuclease 1 (TREX1) is catalytically active and can degrade dsDNA or ssDNA in the cytosol, whereas the C-terminal domain is primarily involved in protein localization. TREX1 deficiency induces cytosolic DNA accumulation as well as activation of the cGAS-STING-IFN signaling pathway, which results in tissue inflammation and autoimmune diseases. Furthermore, TREX1 expression in cancer immunity can be adaptively regulated to promote tumor proliferation, making it a promising therapeutic target.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Liwei Fang
- Pediatric Neurorehabilitation Center, Pediatric Department, The First Affiliated Hospital of Anhui Medical University, Hefei, China
| | - Songcheng Ying
- Department of Immunology, School of Basic Medical Sciences, Anhui Medical University, Hefei, China
| | - Xi Xu
- Department of Plastic Surgery, The First Affiliated Hospital of Anhui Medical University, Hefei, China
| | - De Wu
- Pediatric Neurorehabilitation Center, Pediatric Department, The First Affiliated Hospital of Anhui Medical University, Hefei, China
| |
Collapse
|
6
|
Yu Y, Dou S, Peng P, Ma L, Qi X, Liu T, Yu Y, Wei C, Shi W. Targeting Type I IFN/STAT1 signaling inhibited and reversed corneal squamous metaplasia in Aire-deficient mouse. Pharmacol Res 2023; 187:106615. [PMID: 36535573 DOI: 10.1016/j.phrs.2022.106615] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/06/2022] [Revised: 12/13/2022] [Accepted: 12/14/2022] [Indexed: 12/23/2022]
Abstract
Corneal transparency and integrity are essential for obtaining good vision; nevertheless, squamous metaplasia (SQM) of ocular epithelium is a kind of serious blinding corneal diseases, without therapeutic medication in clinic. Here, we found that deficiency of the autoimmune regulator (AIRE) in corneas spontaneously developed corneal plaques. Using corneal abrasion model, we revealed that deletion of Aire not only resulted in delayed corneal re-epithelialization, but also promoted a cell-fate transition from transparent corneal epithelium to keratinized epithelium, histopathologically characterized with SQM based on the transcriptomic analysis. Mechanistically, Aire-deficient corneas led to the heightened Type I interferon (IFN-I)/STAT1 signaling after abrasion. Pharmacological blockade of IFN-I/JAK/STAT1 signaling in Aire-knockout (KO) corneas not only accelerated epithelial wound healing, but also alleviated corneal plaques and SQM. Collectively, our findings revealed critical roles of AIRE in governing corneal epithelial homeostasis and pathologic keratinization, and further identified IFN-I/STAT1 signaling as a potential target for treating ocular surface diseases with SQM, and even for treating pathological scenarios related to SQM in other tissues.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Yaoyao Yu
- Medical College of Qingdao University, Qingdao, China; State Key Laboratory Cultivation Base, Shandong Provincial Key Laboratory of Ophthalmology, Eye Institute of Shandong First Medical University, Qingdao, China
| | - Shengqian Dou
- State Key Laboratory Cultivation Base, Shandong Provincial Key Laboratory of Ophthalmology, Eye Institute of Shandong First Medical University, Qingdao, China
| | - Peng Peng
- State Key Laboratory Cultivation Base, Shandong Provincial Key Laboratory of Ophthalmology, Eye Institute of Shandong First Medical University, Qingdao, China; School of Ophthalmology, Shandong First Medical University, Jinan, China
| | - Li Ma
- State Key Laboratory Cultivation Base, Shandong Provincial Key Laboratory of Ophthalmology, Eye Institute of Shandong First Medical University, Qingdao, China
| | - Xia Qi
- State Key Laboratory Cultivation Base, Shandong Provincial Key Laboratory of Ophthalmology, Eye Institute of Shandong First Medical University, Qingdao, China
| | - Ting Liu
- State Key Laboratory Cultivation Base, Shandong Provincial Key Laboratory of Ophthalmology, Eye Institute of Shandong First Medical University, Qingdao, China
| | - Yang Yu
- State Key Laboratory Cultivation Base, Shandong Provincial Key Laboratory of Ophthalmology, Eye Institute of Shandong First Medical University, Qingdao, China
| | - Chao Wei
- State Key Laboratory Cultivation Base, Shandong Provincial Key Laboratory of Ophthalmology, Eye Institute of Shandong First Medical University, Qingdao, China.
| | - Weiyun Shi
- State Key Laboratory Cultivation Base, Shandong Provincial Key Laboratory of Ophthalmology, Eye Institute of Shandong First Medical University, Qingdao, China; Eye Hospital of Shandong First Medical University (Shandong Eye Hospital), Jinan, China; School of Ophthalmology, Shandong First Medical University, Jinan, China.
| |
Collapse
|
7
|
Skopelja-Gardner S, An J, Elkon KB. Role of the cGAS-STING pathway in systemic and organ-specific diseases. Nat Rev Nephrol 2022; 18:558-572. [PMID: 35732833 PMCID: PMC9214686 DOI: 10.1038/s41581-022-00589-6] [Citation(s) in RCA: 77] [Impact Index Per Article: 38.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Accepted: 05/18/2022] [Indexed: 12/21/2022]
Abstract
Cells are equipped with numerous sensors that recognize nucleic acids, which probably evolved for defence against viruses. Once triggered, these sensors stimulate the production of type I interferons and other cytokines that activate immune cells and promote an antiviral state. The evolutionary conserved enzyme cyclic GMP-AMP synthase (cGAS) is one of the most recently identified DNA sensors. Upon ligand engagement, cGAS dimerizes and synthesizes the dinucleotide second messenger 2',3'-cyclic GMP-AMP (cGAMP), which binds to the endoplasmic reticulum protein stimulator of interferon genes (STING) with high affinity, thereby unleashing an inflammatory response. cGAS-binding DNA is not restricted by sequence and must only be >45 nucleotides in length; therefore, cGAS can also be stimulated by self genomic or mitochondrial DNA. This broad specificity probably explains why the cGAS-STING pathway has been implicated in a number of autoinflammatory, autoimmune and neurodegenerative diseases; this pathway might also be activated during acute and chronic kidney injury. Therapeutic manipulation of the cGAS-STING pathway, using synthetic cyclic dinucleotides or inhibitors of cGAMP metabolism, promises to enhance immune responses in cancer or viral infections. By contrast, inhibitors of cGAS or STING might be useful in diseases in which this pro-inflammatory pathway is chronically activated.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
| | - Jie An
- Department of Medicine, University of Washington, Seattle, WA, USA
| | - Keith B Elkon
- Department of Medicine, University of Washington, Seattle, WA, USA.
- Department of Immunology, University of Washington, Seattle, WA, USA.
| |
Collapse
|
8
|
Amico G, Hemphill WO, Severino M, Moratti C, Pascarella R, Bertamino M, Napoli F, Volpi S, Rosamilia F, Signa S, Perrino F, Zedde M, Ceccherini I. Genotype-Phenotype Correlation and Functional Insights for Two Monoallelic TREX1 Missense Variants Affecting the Catalytic Core. Genes (Basel) 2022; 13:genes13071179. [PMID: 35885962 PMCID: PMC9323106 DOI: 10.3390/genes13071179] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/08/2022] [Revised: 06/24/2022] [Accepted: 06/28/2022] [Indexed: 02/01/2023] Open
Abstract
The TREX1 exonuclease degrades DNA to prevent aberrant nucleic-acid sensing through the cGAS-STING pathway, and dominant Aicardi–Goutières Syndrome type 1 (AGS1) represents one of numerous TREX1-related autoimmune diseases. Monoallelic TREX1 mutations were identified in patients showing early-onset cerebrovascular disease, ascribable to small vessel disease, and CADASIL-like neuroimaging. We report the clinical-neuroradiological features of two patients with AGS-like (Patient A) and CADASIL-like (Patient B) phenotypes carrying the heterozygous p.A136V and p.R174G TREX1 variants, respectively. Genetic findings, obtained by a customized panel including 183 genes associated with monogenic stroke, were combined with interferon signature testing and biochemical assays to determine the mutations’ effects in vitro. Our results for the p.A136V variant are inconsistent with prior biochemistry-pathology correlates for dominant AGS-causing TREX1 mutants. The p.R174G variant modestly altered exonuclease activity in a manner consistent with perturbation of substrate interaction rather than catalysis, which represents the first robust enzymological data for a TREX1 variant identified in a CADASIL-like patient. In conclusion, functional analysis allowed us to interpret the impact of TREX1 variants on patients’ phenotypes. While the p.A136V variant is unlikely to be causative for AGS in Patient A, Patient B’s phenotype is potentially related to the p.R174G variant. Therefore, further functional investigations of TREX1 variants found in CADASIL-like patients are warranted to determine any causal link and interrogate the molecular disease mechanism(s).
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Giulia Amico
- Department of Neuroscience, Rehabilitation, Ophthalmology, Genetics, Maternal and Child Health (DINOGMI), University of Genoa, 16132 Genoa, Italy;
- Laboratory of Genetics and Genomics of Rare Diseases, IRCCS Istituto Giannina Gaslini, 16147 Genoa, Italy;
| | - Wayne O. Hemphill
- Center for Structural Biology, Department of Biochemistry, Wake Forest School of Medicine, Winston-Salem, NC 27101, USA
- Department of Biochemistry, University of Colorado Boulder, Boulder, CO 80303, USA
- Howard Hughes Medical Institute, Chevy Chase, MD 20815, USA
- Correspondence: (W.O.H.); (F.P.)
| | | | - Claudio Moratti
- Neuroradiology Unit, Azienda Unità Sanitaria Locale—IRCCS di Reggio Emilia, 42122 Reggio Emilia, Italy; (C.M.); (R.P.)
| | - Rosario Pascarella
- Neuroradiology Unit, Azienda Unità Sanitaria Locale—IRCCS di Reggio Emilia, 42122 Reggio Emilia, Italy; (C.M.); (R.P.)
| | - Marta Bertamino
- Physical Medicine and Rehabilitation Unit, IRCCS Istituto Giannina Gaslini, 16147 Genoa, Italy;
| | - Flavia Napoli
- Departments of Pediatrics, IRCCS Istituto Giannina Gaslini, 16147 Genoa, Italy;
| | - Stefano Volpi
- Autoinflammatory Diseases and Immunodeficiencies Center, IRCCS Istituto Giannina Gaslini, 16147 Genoa, Italy; (S.V.); (S.S.)
| | - Francesca Rosamilia
- Biostatistic Unit, Health Science Department (DISSAL), University of Genoa, 16132 Genoa, Italy;
| | - Sara Signa
- Autoinflammatory Diseases and Immunodeficiencies Center, IRCCS Istituto Giannina Gaslini, 16147 Genoa, Italy; (S.V.); (S.S.)
| | - Fred Perrino
- Center for Structural Biology, Department of Biochemistry, Wake Forest School of Medicine, Winston-Salem, NC 27101, USA
- Correspondence: (W.O.H.); (F.P.)
| | - Marialuisa Zedde
- Neurology Unit, Stroke Unit, Azienda Unità Sanitaria Locale—IRCCS di Reggio Emilia, 42122 Reggio Emilia, Italy;
| | - Isabella Ceccherini
- Laboratory of Genetics and Genomics of Rare Diseases, IRCCS Istituto Giannina Gaslini, 16147 Genoa, Italy;
| | | |
Collapse
|
9
|
Zhang ZD, Zhong B. Regulation and function of the cGAS-MITA/STING axis in health and disease. CELL INSIGHT 2022; 1:100001. [PMID: 37192983 PMCID: PMC10120319 DOI: 10.1016/j.cellin.2021.100001] [Citation(s) in RCA: 13] [Impact Index Per Article: 6.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/24/2021] [Revised: 11/18/2021] [Accepted: 12/06/2021] [Indexed: 05/18/2023]
Abstract
The innate immune systems detect pathogens via pattern-recognition receptors including nucleic acid sensors and non-nucleic acid sensors. Cyclic guanosine monophosphate-adenosine monophosphate (cGAMP) synthase (cGAS, also known as MB21D1) is a cytosolic DNA sensor that recognizes double-stranded DNA (dsDNA) and catalyzes the synthesis of 2',3'-cGAMP. Subsequently, 2',3'-cGAMP binds to the adaptor protein mediator of IRF3 activation (MITA, also known as STING, MPYS, ERIS, and TMEM173) to activate downstream signaling cascades. The cGAS-MITA/STING signaling critically mediates immune responses against DNA viruses, retroviruses, bacteria, and protozoan parasites. In addition, recent discoveries have extended our understanding of the roles of the cGAS-MITA/STING pathway in autoimmune diseases and cancers. Here, we summarize the identification and activation of cGAS and MITA/STING, present the updated functions and regulatory mechanisms of cGAS-MITA/STING signaling and provide a comprehensive understanding of the cGAS-MITA/STING axis in autoimmune diseases and cancers.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Zhi-Dong Zhang
- Department of Gastrointestinal Surgery, Medical Research Institute, Zhongnan Hospital of Wuhan University, Wuhan, 430071, China
- Department of Pulmonary and Critical Care Medicine, Zhongnan Hospital of Wuhan University, Wuhan, 430071, China
- Frontier Science Center for Immunology and Metabolism, Wuhan University, Wuhan, 430071, China
- Wuhan Research Center for Infectious Diseases and Cancer, Chinese Academy of Medical Sciences, Wuhan, 430071, China
| | - Bo Zhong
- Department of Gastrointestinal Surgery, Medical Research Institute, Zhongnan Hospital of Wuhan University, Wuhan, 430071, China
- Department of Pulmonary and Critical Care Medicine, Zhongnan Hospital of Wuhan University, Wuhan, 430071, China
- Frontier Science Center for Immunology and Metabolism, Wuhan University, Wuhan, 430071, China
- Department of Virology, College of Life Sciences, Wuhan University, Wuhan, 430072, China
- Wuhan Research Center for Infectious Diseases and Cancer, Chinese Academy of Medical Sciences, Wuhan, 430071, China
| |
Collapse
|
10
|
Hemphill WO, Simpson SR, Liu M, Salsbury FR, Hollis T, Grayson JM, Perrino FW. TREX1 as a Novel Immunotherapeutic Target. Front Immunol 2021; 12:660184. [PMID: 33868310 PMCID: PMC8047136 DOI: 10.3389/fimmu.2021.660184] [Citation(s) in RCA: 26] [Impact Index Per Article: 8.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/28/2021] [Accepted: 03/15/2021] [Indexed: 12/13/2022] Open
Abstract
Mutations in the TREX1 3' → 5' exonuclease are associated with a spectrum of autoimmune disease phenotypes in humans and mice. Failure to degrade DNA activates the cGAS-STING DNA-sensing pathway signaling a type-I interferon (IFN) response that ultimately drives immune system activation. TREX1 and the cGAS-STING DNA-sensing pathway have also been implicated in the tumor microenvironment, where TREX1 is proposed to degrade tumor-derived DNA that would otherwise activate cGAS-STING. If tumor-derived DNA were not degraded, the cGAS-STING pathway would be activated to promote IFN-dependent antitumor immunity. Thus, we hypothesize TREX1 exonuclease inhibition as a novel immunotherapeutic strategy. We present data demonstrating antitumor immunity in the TREX1 D18N mouse model and discuss theory surrounding the best strategy for TREX1 inhibition. Potential complications of TREX1 inhibition as a therapeutic strategy are also discussed.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Wayne O. Hemphill
- Department of Biochemistry, Center for Structural Biology, Wake Forest School of Medicine, Winston-Salem, NC, United States
| | - Sean R. Simpson
- Department of Biochemistry, Center for Structural Biology, Wake Forest School of Medicine, Winston-Salem, NC, United States
| | - Mingyong Liu
- Department of Microbiology and Immunology, Wake Forest School of Medicine, Winston-Salem, NC, United States
| | - Freddie R. Salsbury
- Department of Physics, Wake Forest University, Winston-Salem, NC, United States
| | - Thomas Hollis
- Department of Biochemistry, Center for Structural Biology, Wake Forest School of Medicine, Winston-Salem, NC, United States
| | - Jason M. Grayson
- Department of Microbiology and Immunology, Wake Forest School of Medicine, Winston-Salem, NC, United States
| | - Fred W. Perrino
- Department of Biochemistry, Center for Structural Biology, Wake Forest School of Medicine, Winston-Salem, NC, United States
| |
Collapse
|
11
|
Mohr L, Toufektchan E, von Morgen P, Chu K, Kapoor A, Maciejowski J. ER-directed TREX1 limits cGAS activation at micronuclei. Mol Cell 2021; 81:724-738.e9. [PMID: 33476576 PMCID: PMC7897315 DOI: 10.1016/j.molcel.2020.12.037] [Citation(s) in RCA: 94] [Impact Index Per Article: 31.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/12/2020] [Revised: 11/18/2020] [Accepted: 12/18/2020] [Indexed: 02/06/2023]
Abstract
Micronuclei are aberrant nuclear compartments that can form as a result of chromosome mis-segregation. Frequent loss of micronuclear envelope integrity exposes DNA to the cytoplasm, leading to chromosome fragmentation and immune activation. Here, we use micronuclei purification to show that the endoplasmic reticulum (ER)-associated nuclease TREX1 inhibits cGAS activation at micronuclei by degrading micronuclear DNA upon micronuclear envelope rupture. We demonstrate that the ER accesses ruptured micronuclei and plays a critical role in enabling TREX1 nucleolytic attack. TREX1 mutations, previously implicated in immune disease, untether TREX1 from the ER, disrupt TREX1 localization to micronuclei, diminish micronuclear DNA damage, and enhance cGAS activation. These results establish ER-directed resection of micronuclear DNA by TREX1 as a critical regulator of cytosolic DNA sensing in chromosomally unstable cells and provide a mechanistic basis for the importance of TREX1 ER tethering in preventing autoimmunity.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Lisa Mohr
- Molecular Biology Program, Sloan Kettering Institute, Memorial Sloan Kettering Cancer Center, New York, NY 10065, USA
| | - Eléonore Toufektchan
- Molecular Biology Program, Sloan Kettering Institute, Memorial Sloan Kettering Cancer Center, New York, NY 10065, USA
| | - Patrick von Morgen
- Molecular Biology Program, Sloan Kettering Institute, Memorial Sloan Kettering Cancer Center, New York, NY 10065, USA
| | - Kevan Chu
- Molecular Biology Program, Sloan Kettering Institute, Memorial Sloan Kettering Cancer Center, New York, NY 10065, USA
| | - Aakanksha Kapoor
- Molecular Biology Program, Sloan Kettering Institute, Memorial Sloan Kettering Cancer Center, New York, NY 10065, USA
| | - John Maciejowski
- Molecular Biology Program, Sloan Kettering Institute, Memorial Sloan Kettering Cancer Center, New York, NY 10065, USA.
| |
Collapse
|
12
|
Kumar V. The Trinity of cGAS, TLR9, and ALRs Guardians of the Cellular Galaxy Against Host-Derived Self-DNA. Front Immunol 2021; 11:624597. [PMID: 33643304 PMCID: PMC7905024 DOI: 10.3389/fimmu.2020.624597] [Citation(s) in RCA: 41] [Impact Index Per Article: 13.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/31/2020] [Accepted: 12/29/2020] [Indexed: 12/15/2022] Open
Abstract
The immune system has evolved to protect the host from the pathogens and allergens surrounding their environment. The immune system develops in such a way to recognize self and non-self and develops self-tolerance against self-proteins, nucleic acids, and other larger molecules. However, the broken immunological self-tolerance leads to the development of autoimmune or autoinflammatory diseases. Pattern-recognition receptors (PRRs) are expressed by immunological cells on their cell membrane and in the cytosol. Different Toll-like receptors (TLRs), Nod-like receptors (NLRs) and absent in melanoma-2 (AIM-2)-like receptors (ALRs) forming inflammasomes in the cytosol, RIG (retinoic acid-inducible gene)-1-like receptors (RLRs), and C-type lectin receptors (CLRs) are some of the PRRs. The DNA-sensing receptor cyclic GMP–AMP synthase (cGAS) is another PRR present in the cytosol and the nucleus. The present review describes the role of ALRs (AIM2), TLR9, and cGAS in recognizing the host cell DNA as a potent damage/danger-associated molecular pattern (DAMP), which moves out to the cytosol from its housing organelles (nucleus and mitochondria). The introduction opens with the concept that the immune system has evolved to recognize pathogens, the idea of horror autotoxicus, and its failure due to the emergence of autoimmune diseases (ADs), and the discovery of PRRs revolutionizing immunology. The second section describes the cGAS-STING signaling pathway mediated cytosolic self-DNA recognition, its evolution, characteristics of self-DNAs activating it, and its role in different inflammatory conditions. The third section describes the role of TLR9 in recognizing self-DNA in the endolysosomes during infections depending on the self-DNA characteristics and various inflammatory diseases. The fourth section discusses about AIM2 (an ALR), which also binds cytosolic self-DNA (with 80–300 base pairs or bp) that inhibits cGAS-STING-dependent type 1 IFN generation but induces inflammation and pyroptosis during different inflammatory conditions. Hence, this trinity of PRRs has evolved to recognize self-DNA as a potential DAMP and comes into action to guard the cellular galaxy. However, their dysregulation proves dangerous to the host and leads to several inflammatory conditions, including sterile-inflammatory conditions autoinflammatory and ADs.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Vijay Kumar
- Children's Health Queensland Clinical Unit, School of Clinical Medicine, Faculty of Medicine, Mater Research, University of Queensland, St. Lucia, Brisbane, QLD, Australia.,School of Biomedical Sciences, Faculty of Medicine, University of Queensland, St. Lucia, Brisbane, QLD, Australia
| |
Collapse
|
13
|
Simpson SR, Hemphill WO, Hudson T, Perrino FW. TREX1 - Apex predator of cytosolic DNA metabolism. DNA Repair (Amst) 2020; 94:102894. [PMID: 32615442 DOI: 10.1016/j.dnarep.2020.102894] [Citation(s) in RCA: 14] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/12/2020] [Accepted: 06/03/2020] [Indexed: 12/13/2022]
Abstract
The cytosolic Three prime Repair EXonuclease 1 (TREX1) is a powerful DNA-degrading enzyme required for clearing cytosolic DNA to prevent aberrant inflammation and autoimmunity. In the absence of TREX1 activity, cytosolic DNA pattern recognition receptors of the innate immune system are constitutively activated by undegraded TREX1 substrates. This triggers a chronic inflammatory response in humans expressing mutant TREX1 alleles, eliciting a spectrum of rare autoimmune diseases dependent on the nature of the mutation. The precise origins of cytosolic DNA targeted by TREX1 continue to emerge, but DNA emerging from the nucleus or taken up by the cell could represent potential sources. In this Review, we explore the biochemical and immunological data supporting the role of TREX1 in suppressing cytosolic DNA sensing, and discuss the possibility that TREX1 may contribute to maintenance of genome integrity.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Sean R Simpson
- Department of Biochemistry, Center for Structural Biology, Wake Forest School of Medicine, Winston-Salem, NC 27157, United States
| | - Wayne O Hemphill
- Department of Biochemistry, Center for Structural Biology, Wake Forest School of Medicine, Winston-Salem, NC 27157, United States
| | - Teesha Hudson
- Department of Biochemistry, Center for Structural Biology, Wake Forest School of Medicine, Winston-Salem, NC 27157, United States
| | - Fred W Perrino
- Department of Biochemistry, Center for Structural Biology, Wake Forest School of Medicine, Winston-Salem, NC 27157, United States.
| |
Collapse
|