Many human cells can sense the presence of exogenous DNA during infection though the cytosolic DNA receptor cyclic GMP-AMP synthase (cGAS), which produces the second messenger cyclic GMP-AMP (cGAMP). Other putative DNA receptors have been described, but whether their functions are redundant, tissue-specific or integrated in the cGAS-cGAMP pathway is unclear. Here we show that interferon-γ inducible protein 16 (IFI16) cooperates with cGAS during DNA sensing in human keratinocytes, as both cGAS and IFI16 are required for the full activation of an innate immune response to exogenous DNA and DNA viruses. IFI16 is also required for the cGAMP-induced activation of STING, and interacts with STING to promote STING phosphorylation and translocation. We propose that the two DNA sensors IFI16 and cGAS cooperate to prevent the spurious activation of the type I interferon response.

The double-stranded RNA mimetic poly(I:C) and lipopolysaccharide (LPS) activate Toll-like receptors 3 (TLR3) and TLR4, respectively, triggering the activation of TANK (TRAF family member-associated NF-κB activator)-binding kinase 1 (TBK1) complexes, the phosphorylation of interferon regulatory factor 3 (IRF3) and transcription of the interferon β (IFNβ) gene. Here, we demonstrate that the TANK–TBK1 and optineurin (OPTN)–TBK1 complexes control this pathway. The poly(I:C)- or LPS-stimulated phosphorylation of IRF3 at Ser396 and production of IFNβ were greatly reduced in bone marrow-derived macrophages (BMDMs) from TANK knockout (KO) mice crossed to knockin mice expressing the ubiquitin-binding-defective OPTN[D477N] mutant. In contrast, IRF3 phosphorylation and IFNβ production were not reduced significantly in BMDM from OPTN[D477N] knockin mice and only reduced partially in TANK KO BMDM. The TLR3/TLR4-dependent phosphorylation of IRF3 and IFNβ gene transcription were not decreased in macrophages from OPTN[D477N] crossed to mice deficient in IκB kinase ε, a TANK-binding kinase related to TBK1. In contrast with the OPTN–TBK1 complex, TBK1 associated with OPTN[D477N] did not undergo phosphorylation at Ser172 in response to poly(I:C) or LPS, indicating that the interaction of ubiquitin chains with OPTN is required to activate OPTN–TBK1 in BMDM. The phosphorylation of IRF3 and IFNβ production induced by Sendai virus infection were unimpaired in BMDM from TANK KO × OPTN[D477N] mice, suggesting that other/additional TBK1 complexes control the RIG-I-like receptor-dependent production of IFNβ. Finally, we present evidence that, in human HACAT cells, the poly(I:C)-dependent phosphorylation of TBK1 at Ser172 involves a novel TBK1-activating kinase(s).

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The Grifols DG Gel(®) 8-column system is reliable and safe for routine tests performed in the immunohaematology laboratory.

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Purpose: MYCN oncogene amplification is an independent predictor of poor prognosis in neuroblastoma. CX-5461 is a small molecular inhibitor that prevents initiation of ribosomal RNA (rRNA) synthesis by RNA Pol I, down-regulating MYCN/MYC proteins. We hypothesize that neuroblastoma tumor growth can be suppressed by CX-5461. Methods: MYCN-amplified (KELLY, IMR5) and non-amplified (SY5Y, SKNAS) neuroblastoma cells were treated with CX-5461. MYCN/MYC expression after 24-48 hours was determined by Western blot. Orthotopic neuroblastoma tumors created in mice using KELLY cells were treated with CX-5461-loaded silk films implanted locally. Tumor growth was monitored using ultrasound. Histologic evaluation of tumors was performed. Results: IC 50 for KELLY, IMR5, SY5Y, and SKNAS cells to CX-5461 was 0.75µM, 0.02µM, 0.8µM, and 1.7µM, respectively. CX-5461 down-regulated MYCN and MYC proteins at 0.25-1.0µM on Western blot analysis. CX-5461-loaded silk film released 23.7±3µg of the drug in 24 hours and 48.2±3.9µg at 120 hours. KELLY tumors treated with CX-5461-loaded film reached 800mm 3 after 7.8±1.4 days, while those treated with control film reached the same size on 5.1±0.6 days (p=0.03). CX-5461-treated tumors showed collapse of nucleolar hypertrophy and MYCN protein downregulation. Conclusion: We demonstrated that local delivery of CX-5461 via sustained release platform can suppress orthotopic neuroblastoma tumor growth, especially those with MYCN/MYC overexpression.

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