Many of the ligands for Toll-like receptors (TLRs) are unique to microorganisms, such that
receptor activation unequivocally indicates the presence of something foreign. However, a …

Besides its role as the blueprint of life, DNA can also alert the cell to the presence of
microbial pathogens as well as damaged or malignant cells. A major sensor of DNA that …

Research elucidating the pathogenesis of systemic lupus erythematosus (SLE) has defined
two critical families of mediators, type I interferon (IFN-I) and autoantibodies targeting nucleic …

Since the discovery of Stimulator of Interferon Genes (STING) as an important pivot for
cytosolic DNA sensation and interferon (IFN) induction, intensive efforts have been …

Sex and aging influence the human immune system, resulting in disparate responses to
infection, autoimmunity, and cancer. However, the impact of sex and aging on the immune …

Highlights•Type I IFN is implicated in SLE pathogenesis by multiple lines of evidence,
including genetics and induction of SLE by IFN treatment.•Nucleic-acid sensing pathways …

The long non-coding RNA (lncRNA) XIST establishes X chromosome inactivation (XCI) in
female cells in early development and thereafter is thought to be largely dispensable. Here …

In primary Sjögren syndrome (pSS), chronic inflammation of exocrine glands results in tissue
destruction and sicca symptoms, primarily of the mouth and eyes. Fatigue, arthralgia and …

All lifeforms have developed highly sophisticated systems equipped to detect altered self
and non-self nucleic acids (NA). In vertebrates, NA-sensing receptors safeguard the integrity …

About a thousand genes in the human genome encode for membrane transporters. Among
these, several solute carrier proteins (SLCs), representing the largest group of transporters …