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Updated: Jun 2, 2026
11:44
Stimulation of Cytoplasmic DNA Sensing Pathways In Vitro and In Vivo
Published on: September 18, 2014
Innate DNA sensing moves to the nucleus
Leonie Unterholzner1, Andrew G Bowie
1School of Biochemistry and Immunology, Trinity College Dublin, Dublin 2, Ireland.
Cell Host & Microbe
|May 18, 2011
Summary
The DNA sensor IFI16 recognizes Kaposi's sarcoma-associated herpesvirus (KSHV) DNA within the nucleus, triggering inflammasome activation. This finding challenges the assumption that viral DNA detection only occurs in the cytosol.
Area of Science:
- Immunology
- Virology
- Cell Biology
Background:
- Traditionally, cellular DNA sensors were thought to detect viral DNA exclusively in the cytosol.
- The precise mechanisms by which cells distinguish self from non-self DNA, particularly viral DNA within the nucleus, remain incompletely understood.
Discussion:
- Kerur et al. (2011) present evidence that the DNA sensor IFI16 is involved in recognizing the DNA genome of Kaposi's sarcoma-associated herpesvirus (KSHV).
- This recognition event occurs within the host cell's nucleus, challenging the established model of cytosolic DNA sensing.
- IFI16 activation by KSHV DNA leads to the subsequent activation of the inflammasome, a key component of the innate immune response.
Key Insights:
- Nuclear DNA sensing is a critical mechanism for detecting viral infections.
- IFI16 acts as a nuclear DNA sensor for herpesviruses like KSHV.
- Viral DNA recognition in the nucleus can initiate inflammasome-mediated immune signaling.
Outlook:
- Further research is needed to elucidate the full spectrum of nuclear DNA sensors and their viral targets.
- Understanding IFI16's role in KSHV infection may reveal new therapeutic strategies.
- Investigating nuclear DNA sensing pathways could provide insights into other viral and autoimmune diseases.
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