RIG-I-like helicases (RLH) are cytosolic sensors for viral RNA inducing type I interferon production. We found that pancreatic cancer cells express functional RLH and are susceptible to RLH-induced apoptosis via intrinsic and extrinsic pathways. Tumor cells displayed features of immunogenic cell death resulting in dendritic cell activation, enhanced antigen cross-presentation and efficient tumor control in vivo.
Keywords: ATP, adenosine triphosphate; CD, cluster of differentiation; CTL, cytotoxic T lymphocytes; CXCL10, C-X-C motif chemokine 10; DC, dendritic cell; HMGB1, high-mobility group box protein I; IFN, interferon; IRF, interferon regulatory factor; MAPK, mitogen-activated protein kinase; MDA5, melanoma differentiation-associated protein 5; MDSC, myeloid-derived suppressor cell; RAGE, receptor for advanced glycation endproducts; RIG-I, retinoic acid-inducible gene I; RIG-I-like helicases; RLH, RIG-I-like helicase; TLR, toll-like receptor; fas; hsp70, heat shock protein 70; immunogenic cell death; pancreatic cancer; type I IFN.