Linking retroelements to autoimmunity.

Bhoj, Vijay G; Chen, Zhijian J · Cell · 2008

editorial · Level V

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Abstract

In this issue, Stetson et al. (2008) report a mechanism by which host cells avert an autoimmune response to self-nucleic acids. They show that the nuclease Trex1 prevents the accumulation of DNA derived from endogenous retroelements that, if left unchecked, trigger elevated production of type I interferons leading to autoimmunity.

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