Cell-Autonomous Immunity: From Cytosolic Sensing to Self-Defense

Area of Science:

• Immunology
• Cell Biology
• Molecular Biology

Background:

• Non-immune cells possess intrinsic defense mechanisms against intracellular pathogens.
• Cell-autonomous immunity is a conserved host defense distinct from classical innate immunity.
• Understanding these mechanisms is crucial for comprehending host-pathogen interactions.

Purpose of the Study:

• To comprehensively review defense mechanisms of non-immune cells against intracellular pathogens.
• To analyze cytosolic sensors and key signaling pathways involved in cell-autonomous immunity.
• To evaluate the role of these pathways in disease pathogenesis and therapeutic potential.

Main Methods:

• Review of existing literature on cell-autonomous immunity.
• Detailed analysis of cytosolic sensors recognizing pathogen-associated molecular patterns (PAMPs).
• Elucidation of molecular mechanisms of signaling pathways like cGAS-STING, RLRs-MAVS, and GBPs.

Main Results:

• Identification and characterization of key cytosolic sensors for nucleic acids, LPS, and other PAMPs.
• Detailed explanation of the cyclic GMP-AMP synthase (cGAS)-stimulator of interferon genes (STING) pathway.
• Description of the retinoic acid-inducible gene I (RIG-I)-like receptors (RLRs)-mitochondrial antiviral signaling (MAVS) axis.
• Analysis of the guanylate-binding proteins (GBPs)-mediated pathway.
• Evaluation of the involvement of these pathways in autoimmune disorders, inflammation, and cancer.

Conclusions:

• Cell-autonomous immunity is a critical defense system mediated by non-immune cells.
• Specific signaling pathways (cGAS-STING, RLRs-MAVS, GBPs) are central to this process.
• These pathways represent potential therapeutic targets for various diseases.