Related Experiment Video
Updated: Dec 5, 2025

Visualizing and Quantifying Endonuclease-Based Site-Specific DNA Damage
Published on: August 21, 2021
DNA Damage Response and Immune Defense
Claudia Nastasi1, Laura Mannarino1, Maurizio D'Incalci1
1Department of Oncology, Istituto di Ricerche Farmacologiche Mario Negri IRCCS, Via Mario Negri 2, 20156 Milan, Italy.
Abstract:
DNA damage is the cause of numerous human pathologies including cancer, premature aging, and chronic inflammatory conditions. The DNA damage response (DDR), in turn, coordinates DNA damage checkpoint activation and promotes the removal of DNA lesions. In recent years, several studies have shown how the DDR and the immune system are tightly connected, revealing an important crosstalk between the two of them. This interesting interplay has opened up new perspectives in clinical studies for immunological diseases as well as for cancer treatment. In this review, we provide an overview, from cellular to molecular pathways, on how DDR and the immune system communicate and share the crucial commitment of maintaining the genomic fitness.
Insights
The DNA damage response (DDR) and immune system crosstalk is vital for maintaining genomic stability. Understanding this connection offers new therapeutic strategies for cancer and inflammatory diseases.
Area of Science:
- Molecular Biology
- Immunology
- Genetics
Background:
- DNA damage is implicated in various human diseases, including cancer and inflammatory conditions.
- The DNA damage response (DDR) is a critical cellular process that manages DNA lesions.
- Emerging evidence highlights a significant connection between the DDR and the immune system.
Purpose of the Study:
- To review the intricate communication pathways between the DNA damage response and the immune system.
- To explore the molecular and cellular mechanisms underlying this crosstalk.
- To discuss the clinical implications of this interplay for disease treatment.
Main Methods:
- Literature review of cellular and molecular studies.
- Analysis of pathways involved in DDR and immune system interaction.
- Synthesis of current knowledge on genomic stability maintenance.
Main Results:
- The DDR and immune system share pathways crucial for maintaining genomic integrity.
- This crosstalk influences cellular responses to DNA damage and immune surveillance.
- The interplay opens new avenues for treating immunological diseases and cancer.
Conclusions:
- The connection between DDR and immunity is fundamental for health.
- Targeting this crosstalk holds promise for novel therapeutic interventions.
- Further research is needed to fully elucidate and exploit this relationship.
Related Concept Videos
Overview of DNA Repair
Chemically...
Overview of DNA Repair
Nucleotide Excision Repair
Cells are regularly exposed to mutagens—factors in the environment that can damage DNA and generate mutations. UV radiation is one of the most common mutagens and is estimated to introduce a significant number of changes in DNA. These include bends or kinks in the structure, which can block DNA replication or transcription. If these errors are not fixed, the damage can cause mutations, which in turn can result in cancer or disease depending on which sequences are...
Nucleotide Excision Repair
DNA Damage can Stall the Cell Cycle
DNA Damage Can Stall the Cell Cycle

