Detection of nucleic acids and production of type I interferons (IFNs) are principal elements of antiviral defense, but can cause autoimmune disease if activated by self nucleic acids instead of viruses. Loss of function mutations in the human ADAR gene cause Aicardi-Goutires Syndrome (AGS), a rare and severe autoimmune disease that resembles congenitally acquired viral infection. Our lab and others defined ADAR1 as an essential negative regulator of an RNA-sensing pathway. In the absence of ADAR1 functionality, endogenous ADAR1 RNA substrates accumulate within cells and trigger type I IFN production through the anti-viral MDA5/MAVS pathway, highlighting the connection between innate antiviral responses and autoimmunity, with important implications for the treatment of AGS and related diseases. Very little is known about the nature of the RNA that accumulates within these cells and initiates the IFN response.
In Aim 1, we will combine molecular biology and genomic tools to confirm and extensively characterize the ADAR1 substrates that activate MDA5.
In Aim 2, we will use a novel mouse model of the most common ADAR mutation in the human population to uncover what role this mutation plays in the development of autoimmune disease, and how it affects MDA5 activation by endogenous and viral ligands. Our long-term goals are twofold: to rigorously define the mechanisms of autoimmune disease with the hope of developing new treatments and preventative measures to apply to AGS and related diseases, and to use this model system to probe more general questions about connections between innate immune detection of nucleic acids and antiviral responses. Together with the other elements of my training plan, this project will prepare me for a career independently conducting patient-focused basic immunological research.
Detection of foreign nucleic acids is an ancient form of host defense, but can cause autoimmunity if dysregulated. This project leverages novel mouse models of Aicardi-Goutieres Syndrome (AGS), a severe human autoimmune disease that presents in infancy with symptoms resembling a viral infection to better understand the interconnections between nucleic acid detection, antiviral responses, and autoimmunity. The results from this research will inform development of treatments and diagnostics of AGS and related diseases.
