title: Translating nucleic acid-sensing pathways into therapies.
abstract: Nucleic acid sensing by innate receptors initiates immune defences against viruses and other pathogens. A hallmark of this response is the release of interferons (IFNs), which promote protective immunity by inducing IFN-stimulated genes (ISGs). A similar ISG signature is found in autoinflammatory and autoimmune conditions, indicating that chronic activation of nucleic acid-sensing pathways may contribute to these diseases. Here, we review how nucleic acid-sensing pathways are currently being targeted pharmacologically with both agonists and antagonists. We discuss how an improved understanding of the biology of these pathways is leading to novel therapies for infections, cancer, and autoimmune and autoinflammatory disorders, and how new therapeutics will, in turn, generate a deeper understanding of these complex diseases.
authors: Autoimmunity, Transplantation and Inflammation, Novartis Institute of Biomedical Research, Novartis Campus Forum 1, CH-4056 Basel, Switzerland.
authors: Tobias
authors: T
authors: Junt
authors: German Center for Infection Research Cologne-Bonn, Institute of Clinical Chemistry and Clinical Pharmacology, University of Bonn, Sigmund-Freud Strasse 25, 53127 Bonn, Germany.
authors: Winfried
authors: W
authors: Barchet
mesh_terms: D001327:Autoimmune Diseases / Q000188:drug therapy; D019496:Cancer Vaccines / Q000276:immunology* / Q000627:therapeutic use; D053487:DEAD-box RNA Helicases / Q000276:immunology*; D055808:Drug Discovery; D006801:Humans; D007166:Immunosuppressive Agents / Q000276:immunology* / Q000627:therapeutic use; D058990:Molecular Targeted Therapy / Q000379:methods*; D009369:Neoplasms / Q000188:drug therapy; D009696:Nucleic Acids / Q000276:immunology*; D051193:Toll-Like Receptors / Q000276:immunology*
chemical_list: D019496:Cancer Vaccines; D007166:Immunosuppressive Agents; D009696:Nucleic Acids; D051193:Toll-Like Receptors; D053487:DEAD-box RNA Helicases