Pattern-recognition receptor sensing RNA (RNA-sensing PRRs)

RNA-sensing pattern-recognition receptors (PRRs) are a specialized group of innate immune sensors that detect foreign or mislocalized RNA to trigger protective immune responses (Kawai & Akira, Nature Immunology, 2010). In dendritic cells, these sensors are primarily located in endosomes, such as Toll-like receptor 3 (TLR3), TLR7, and TLR8, or in the cytosol, such as RIG-I (Retinoic acid-inducible gene I) and MDA5 (Melanoma differentiation-associated protein 5) (Wu & Chen, Annual Review of Immunology, 2014). Upon activation by viral double-stranded or single-stranded RNA, these receptors initiate signaling pathways via adapters like TRIF or MyD88, culminating in the production of Type I interferons and pro-inflammatory cytokines (Iwasaki & Medzhitov, Science, 2010). This process is essential for the maturation of dendritic cells, enabling them to effectively prime T-cell-mediated adaptive immunity (Schlee & Hartmann, Nature Reviews Immunology, 2016). Pharmacological modulation of these receptors is a major area of interest; agonists like Imiquimod and Poly(I:C) are utilized as vaccine adjuvants and anti-tumor agents to enhance the immune response within the tumor microenvironment, while inhibitors like Enpatoran are being investigated for the treatment of chronic inflammatory and autoimmune conditions like systemic lupus erythematosus (Iurescia et al., Frontiers in Immunology, 2018).

Other names

RNA sensorsNucleic acid sensorsEndosomal RNA receptorsCytosolic RNA sensorsRNA-sensing pattern-recognition receptors

Agonism of endosomal or cytosolic receptors to induce Type I interferon and pro-inflammatory cytokine production for antiviral or anti-tumor activity; Antagonism to inhibit pathological immune activation in autoimmune disorders.