UNC93B1 variants underlie TLR7-dependent autoimmunity

Sci Immunol. 2024 Feb 23;9(92):eadi9769. doi: 10.1126/sciimmunol.adi9769. Epub 2024 Feb 23.

Abstract

UNC93B1 is critical for trafficking and function of nucleic acid-sensing Toll-like receptors (TLRs) TLR3, TLR7, TLR8, and TLR9, which are essential for antiviral immunity. Overactive TLR7 signaling induced by recognition of self-nucleic acids has been implicated in systemic lupus erythematosus (SLE). Here, we report UNC93B1 variants (E92G and R336L) in four patients with early-onset SLE. Patient cells or mouse macrophages carrying the UNC93B1 variants produced high amounts of TNF-α and IL-6 and upon stimulation with TLR7/TLR8 agonist, but not with TLR3 or TLR9 agonists. E92G causes UNC93B1 protein instability and reduced interaction with TLR7, leading to selective TLR7 hyperactivation with constitutive type I IFN signaling. Thus, UNC93B1 regulates TLR subtype-specific mechanisms of ligand recognition. Our findings establish a pivotal role for UNC93B1 in TLR7-dependent autoimmunity and highlight the therapeutic potential of targeting TLR7 in SLE.

MeSH terms

  • Animals
  • Autoimmunity / genetics
  • Humans
  • Lupus Erythematosus, Systemic* / genetics
  • Membrane Transport Proteins
  • Mice
  • Toll-Like Receptor 3 / metabolism
  • Toll-Like Receptor 7* / genetics
  • Toll-Like Receptor 8
  • Toll-Like Receptor 9 / metabolism

Substances

  • Toll-Like Receptor 7
  • Toll-Like Receptor 9
  • Toll-Like Receptor 8
  • Toll-Like Receptor 3
  • TLR7 protein, human
  • UNC93B1 protein, human
  • Membrane Transport Proteins
  • UNC93B1 protein, mouse