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Transposable elements as instructors of the immune system
Lisa Schmidleithner1, Philipp Stüve1, Markus Feuerer2,3
1Leibniz Institute for Immunotherapy, Regensburg, Germany.
Nature Reviews. Immunology
|April 29, 2025
Summary
Transposable elements (TEs), comprising nearly half of human DNA, are increasingly recognized for their roles in biological processes. This research explores their underappreciated influence on the immune system and potential therapeutic applications.
Area of Science:
- Genomics
- Immunology
- Molecular Biology
Background:
- Transposable elements (TEs) are mobile DNA sequences constituting approximately 50% of the human genome.
- While largely immobile, TEs impact biological processes like aging, development, and cancer through transposition, transcription, and gene regulation.
Purpose of the Study:
- To explore the largely uninvestigated interactions between transposable elements and the immune system.
- To highlight the potential of transposable element biology in understanding and treating immune-related diseases.
Main Methods:
- Review and synthesis of current literature on transposable elements and immunology.
- Exploration of proposed mechanisms by which TEs influence immune responses.
- Discussion of TEs as potential neoantigens in cancer immunity.
Main Results:
- TEs may influence innate immunity, T cell activation/differentiation, and tissue adaptation.
- Transposable elements can act as a source of neoantigens, potentially enhancing anti-tumor immunity.
- TEs play a significant role in various biological processes beyond their repetitive nature.
Conclusions:
- Transposable element biology represents a critical emerging area within immunology.
- Harnessing the TE network offers potential therapeutic strategies for cancer, autoimmune, and inflammatory diseases.
- Further research into TE-immune system interactions is warranted.
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