Liquid-liquid Phase Separation in Innate Immunity

Overview

Journal Trends Immunol

Specialty Allergy & Immunology

Date 2024 May 18

PMID 38762334

Authors

Dawei Liu

Jinhang Yang

Ileana M Cristea

Affiliations

Soon will be listed here.

Abstract

Intrinsic and innate immune responses are essential lines of defense in the body's constant surveillance of pathogens. The discovery of liquid-liquid phase separation (LLPS) as a key regulator of this primal response to infection brings an updated perspective to our understanding of cellular defense mechanisms. Here, we review the emerging multifaceted role of LLPS in diverse aspects of mammalian innate immunity, including DNA and RNA sensing and inflammasome activity. We discuss the intricate regulation of LLPS by post-translational modifications (PTMs), and the subversive tactics used by viruses to antagonize LLPS. This Review, therefore, underscores the significance of LLPS as a regulatory node that offers rapid and plastic control over host immune signaling, representing a promising target for future therapeutic strategies.

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