DNA damage and innate immunity: links and trade-offs

Georgia Chatzinikolaou; Ismene Karakasilioti; George A Garinis

doi:10.1016/j.it.2014.06.003

DNA damage and innate immunity: links and trade-offs

Trends Immunol. 2014 Sep;35(9):429-35. doi: 10.1016/j.it.2014.06.003. Epub 2014 Jul 8.

Authors

Georgia Chatzinikolaou¹, Ismene Karakasilioti², George A Garinis³

Affiliations

¹ Institute of Molecular Biology and Biotechnology, Foundation for Research and Technology-Hellas, GR70013, Heraklion, Crete, Greece.
² Institute of Molecular Biology and Biotechnology, Foundation for Research and Technology-Hellas, GR70013, Heraklion, Crete, Greece; Department of Biology, University of Crete, Heraklion, Crete, Greece.
³ Institute of Molecular Biology and Biotechnology, Foundation for Research and Technology-Hellas, GR70013, Heraklion, Crete, Greece; Department of Biology, University of Crete, Heraklion, Crete, Greece. Electronic address: garinis@imbb.forth.gr.

PMID: 25023467
DOI: 10.1016/j.it.2014.06.003

Abstract

To counteract DNA damage, cells employ genome maintenance pathways that are directed inward, relentlessly to scan and repair the genome. Adaptive and innate immune mechanisms are often directed outward, protecting self against pathogens. Recent work has revealed direct links between innate immune signaling and the DNA damage response (DDR). Here we review current understanding of the mechanism by which cells sense damaged and foreign DNA. We examine the functional role of DNA damage signaling in immune activation and discuss the relevance of these processes to DNA damage-driven chronic inflammation in disease and in aging.

Keywords: DNA damage; DNA repair; DNA sensors; inflammation; innate immunity.

Publication types

Research Support, Non-U.S. Gov't
Review

MeSH terms

Aging / immunology*
Animals
DNA Damage*
DNA Repair
Humans
Immunity, Innate*
Inflammation / immunology*
Lymphocyte Activation
Signal Transduction