The Z-nucleic acid sensor ZBP1 in health and disease.

Maelfait J., Rehwinkel J.

Nucleic acid sensing is a central process in the immune system, with far-reaching roles in antiviral defense, autoinflammation, and cancer. Z-DNA binding protein 1 (ZBP1) is a sensor for double-stranded DNA and RNA helices in the unusual left-handed Z conformation termed Z-DNA and Z-RNA. Recent research established ZBP1 as a key upstream regulator of cell death and proinflammatory signaling. Recognition of Z-DNA/RNA by ZBP1 promotes host resistance to viral infection but can also drive detrimental autoinflammation. Additionally, ZBP1 has interesting roles in cancer and other disease settings and is emerging as an attractive target for therapy.

DOI

10.1084/jem.20221156

Type

Journal article

Journal

The Journal of experimental medicine

Publication Date

08/2023

Volume

220

Addresses

VIB-UGent Center for Inflammation Research , Ghent, Belgium.

Keywords

RNA-Binding Proteins, Nucleic Acids, DNA, Z-Form, RNA, Cell Death

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