Lysyl-tRNA synthetase produces diadenosine tetraphosphate to curb STING-dependent inflammation.
basic_science · Level V
Where this comes from
- Record sourced from PubMed, PMID 32494729.
- Also identified by DOI 10.1126/sciadv.aax3333 and PMC identifier 7244319.
- Licence recorded as CC BY-NC.
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Abstract
Inflammation is an essential part of immunity against pathogens and tumors but can promote disease if not tightly regulated. Self and non-self-nucleic acids can trigger inflammation, through recognition by the cyclic GMP-AMP (cGAMP) synthetase (cGAS) and subsequent activation of the stimulator of interferon genes (STING) protein. Here, we show that RNA:DNA hybrids can be detected by cGAS and that the Lysyl-tRNA synthetase (LysRS) inhibits STING activation through two complementary mechanisms. First, LysRS interacts with RNA:DNA hybrids, delaying recognition by cGAS and impeding cGAMP production. Second, RNA:DNA hybrids stimulate LysRS-dependent production of diadenosine tetraphosphate (Ap<sub>4</sub>A) that in turn attenuates STING-dependent signaling. We propose a model whereby these mechanisms cooperate to buffer STING activation. Consequently, modulation of the LysRS-Ap<sub>4</sub>A axis in vitro or in vivo interferes with inflammatory responses. Thus, altogether, we establish LysRS and Ap<sub>4</sub>A as pharmacological targets to control STING signaling and treat inflammatory diseases.