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  • Review Article
  • OPEN ACCESS

Immune Activation in the Liver by Nucleic Acids

  • Qian Sun,
  • Qingde Wang,
  • Melanie J. Scott and
  • Timothy R. Billiar*,
 Author information  Cite
Journal of Clinical and Translational Hepatology   2016;4(2):151-157

doi: 10.14218/JCTH.2016.00003

Abstract

Viral infection in the liver, including hepatitis B virus (HBV) and hepatitis C virus (HCV) infection, is a major health problem worldwide, especially in developing countries. The infection triggers a pro-inflammatory response in patients that is crucial for host defense. Recent studies have identified multiple transmembrane and cytosolic receptors that recognize pathogen-derived nucleic acids, and these receptors are essential for driving immune activation in the liver. In addition to sensing DNA/RNA from pathogens, these intracellular receptors can be activated by nucleic acids of host origin in response to sterile injuries. In this review, we discuss the expanding roles of these receptors in both immune and nonimmune cells in the liver.

Keywords

Nucleic acid, Innate immunity, Intracellular receptor, Hepatocytes

Introduction

The activation of innate immune pathways is crucial for host defense in response to invasive pathogens and during sterile inflammation, as observed after tissue trauma or ischemia. In the setting of microbial infection, pathogen-associated molecular patterns (PAMPs), which are conserved microbial motifs, can be recognized by pattern recognition receptors (PRRs) expressed by both immune and nonimmune cells.1,2 This pathway leads to the eradication of pathogens through numerous clearance mechanisms that involve the production of inflammatory mediators, cell recruitment, and activation. Similarly, the same PRRs can be activated in response to sterile injuries by endogenous activators known as damage-associated molecular patterns (DAMPs). For example, nucleic acids of microbial or host origin represent a major category of both PAMP and DAMP. These “non-self” or “self-originated” molecules are detected by PRRs, including toll-like receptors (TLRs), nucleotide-oligomerization domain (NOD)-like receptors (NLRs), and retinoic acid-inducible gene (RIG)-I like receptors (RLRs), which initiate cell signaling and gene expression.

The liver, by virtue of its anatomical position “downstream” from the gastrointestinal tract and as the target of many heterotrophic viruses, is adapted to recognize invading pathogens as well as toxic insults that lead to liver injury. These innate immune recognition pathways are present in essentially all of the resident cells in the liver, which include not only resident cells of the immune system such as Kupffer cells but also the parenchymal cells or hepatocytes. The liver integrates its important and unique roles in metabolism with its functions in local and systemic immune responses. If damaged, the liver can co-opt these metabolic and immune responses to regenerate its mass. All of these responses involve the robust synthesis and turnover of nucleic acids that must be compartmentalized or sequestered to regulate appropriate nucleic acid sensing. Here, we review recent advances in our understanding of nucleic acid sensing by PRRs in liver cells.

Intracellular nucleic acid sensors in the liver

Innate immune sensors involved in the recognition of nucleic acids can be divided into two groups based on their subcellular localization. TLRs, including TLR3, TLR7, TLR8, and TLR9, are membrane-bound receptors that monitor endolysosomes for pathogen or host derived nucleic acids.3,4 A second group of receptors recognize nucleic acids in the cytoplasm and is further classified here into those that recognize cytosolic DNA and those that detect pathogen- or host-derived RNA.

Nucleic acid sensing by TLRs

TLRs are transmembrane receptors composed of ligand binding ectodomain and transmembrane domains as well as a cytosolic domain that is crucial for the recruitment of downstream adaptors, including myeloid differentiation primary-response protein 88 (MyD88) and TIR domain-containing adaptor inducing interferon (IFN)-β (TRIF).5 Each TLR family member recognizes specific nucleic acid ligands, partly through a leucine-rich repeat (LRR) motif in the luminal ectodomain. 4 Among the TLRs involved in nucleic acid sensing, TLR3 recognizes double-stranded RNA (dsRNA), including a synthetic dsRNA analog polyinosinic-polycytidylic acid (poly [I:C]), as well as single-stranded RNA (ssRNA) derived from encephalomyocarditis virus and West Nile virus.4,6 TLR7 and TLR8, on the other hand, were only shown to be activated by ssRNA, especially GU-rich ssRNA.7 TLR9 is a sensor for unmethylated cytosine-phosphate-guanine (CpG) DNA motifs that are enriched in bacterial and mitochondrial genomes.8

Upon recognition of nucleic acids by TLRs, two signaling pathways can be activated: recruitment of the adaptor protein TRIF by TLR3 and recruitment of MyD88 by TLR7, TLR8, and TLR9.9 Whereas both of the adaptor proteins trigger nuclear factor kappa B (NF-κB) mediated upregulation of pro-inflammatory cytokines, such as interleukin (IL)-6 and tumor necrosis factor alpha (TNFα), transcription factor interferon regulatory factor 3 (IRF3) is only activated by TRIF, and IRF7 is only activated by MyD88.10 Activation of both IRF3 and IRF7 subsequently induce production of type I IFN in immune and nonimmune cells,9,11 which in particular is essential for immune responses to viral pathogens.

Cytosolic RNA sensors

RLRs are a group of well-characterized cytosolic RNA sensors responsible for intracellular dsRNA-induced type-I IFN production.12 All three members of the RLR family, RIG-I, melanoma differentiation-associated protein 5 (MDA5), and laboratory of genetics and physiology 2 (LGP2), are broadly expressed by both immune and nonimmune cells such as hepatocytes, making them essential in the host response against viral infection in the liver.9,13

Both RIG-I and MDA5 recognize dsRNA, including the synthetic analog poly (I:C). However, they have been shown to respond preferentially to RNA ligands of variable lengths. MDA5 generally recognizes long dsRNA molecules (> 2 kb), whereas RIG-I preferentially binds to shorter fragments of dsRNA with an uncapped 5′ triphosphate end.9,12 A few studies have shown that RIG-I may also be involved in host immune response to cytosolic viral and bacterial dsDNA, but it was suggested that RNA polymerase III (Pol-III) was required for this process as Pol-III converts pathogen dsDNA to dsRNA.3,9,14 Very little is known about the RNA ligands that can activate LGP2, but recent studies suggest that its ATPase activity may regulate RIG-I- and MDA5-dependent type I IFN production in response to viral infection.12,15

Upon recognition of cytosolic dsRNA by RIG-I and MDA5, the N-terminal caspase activation and recruitment domains (CARDs) associate with the adaptor protein mitochondrial antiviral signaling (MAVS, also known as IPS1), and the interaction subsequently leads to the activation of transcription factors IRF3, IRF7, and NF-κB.12 As discussed above, activation of these transcription factors results in the production of IFNs and pro-inflammatory cytokines, which are important in host defense against viruses. The transmembrane protein stimulator of IFN genes (STING) was also shown to be important for RIG-I-dependent IFN production, although the details of the mechanism remain unclear.9

In addition to RLRs, a few other cytosolic RNA sensors have recently been described. Protein kinase R (PKR) is a serine/threonine kinase that can be activated by dsRNA.12 Upon activation, it was shown to induce a type I IFN response by stabilizing IFN-α/IFN-β transcripts downstream of MDA5 signaling.16,17 PKR has been found to contain a dsRNA-binding domain, but it remains unknown as to whether it could function independently of RLRs or TLR3 to produce IFN.4,18 Interestingly, PKR is also involved in the activation of the inflammasome in response to dsRNA and the release of nuclear protein high-mobility group box 1 (HMGB1), which triggers the production of more cytokines from the activated macrophages.19 A recent study showed that nucleotide-binding oligomerization domain protein 2 (NOD2) can serve as a cytosolic ssRNA sensor and trigger type I IFN production in response to viral infection.20

In general, this category of RNA sensors detects viral RNA and their replicons in the cytoplasm, differentiating them from cell membrane bound or endosome located TLRs that detect PAMPs from the extracellular space. As abundant autogenic RNA exist in the cytoplasm under physiological conditions, these receptors are likely capable of distinguishing between “self” and “non-self” molecules. Importantly, however, under certain pathologic conditions, such as liver ischemia/reperfusion injury, they can react to autogenic RNAs that are released to the extracellular space or in the cytosol to elicit inflammatory reactions.

Cytosolic DNA sensors

Compared to cytosolic RNA sensors, receptors for cytosolic DNA are controversial and elusive. Two major signaling pathways have been described for cytosolic DNA-sensing: one is mediated by the adaptor protein STING to induce IFN production, and the other is mediated by activation of the inflammasome to trigger production of IL-1β and IL-18. DNA-dependent activator of IRF (DAI, also known as ZBP1), gamma-interferon-inducible protein 16 (IFI16), and the RNA helicase DDX41 have all been reported to recognize dsDNA in the cytosol and trigger type I IFN production through the STING/TBK1/IRF3 pathway.4,9 In addition, a recently discovered cytosolic receptor cyclic GMP-AMP synthase (cGAS) was shown to detect cyclic dinucleotides derived from bacterial cells and to induce type I IFN in a STING-dependent manner.4,21

Most of the intracellular nucleic acid-sensing pathways discussed thus far lead to the production of IFNs vital to combat viral infection. However, there is yet another group of nucleic acid-sensing receptors that have been shown to cause the maturation of pro-inflammatory cytokines IL-1β and IL-18, cytokines important in host response to bacterial infection as well as sterile inflammation. A typical inflammasome contains a NLR or an absent in melanoma 2 (AIM2), apoptosis-associated speck-like protein containing a caspase-recruitment domain (ASC), and procaspase-1. Inflammasome activation leads to autocleavage of caspase-1, forming the active caspase-1 p10/p20 tetramer that cleaves pro-IL-1β and pro-IL-18 into their active forms.22 In addition, inflammasomes play unique roles in hepatocytes, which do not produce IL-1β or IL-18. Others have shown that caspase-1 activation regulates enzymes involved in glycolysis,23 while we have shown that inflammasome activation upregulates mitochondrial autophagy in hypoxic hepatocytes.24 Recent research has identified AIM2 as the receptor for cytosolic dsDNA derived from bacteria and viruses.25 However, little is known about the ligand specificity of AIM2, and it appears that AIM2 can be activated by dsDNA from various sources, whether from bacteria, virus, or host.4,26 It was also recently shown that cytosolic mitochondrial DNA (mtDNA) and more specifically, oxidized mtDNA, contributes to the secretion of IL-1β and IL-18 by activating the NLRP3 inflammasome.27 However, whether NLRP3 can directly sense mtDNA that is released into the cytosol is still unclear.

Recognition of HBV by intracellular nucleic acid sensors in the liver

Human HBV is a small DNA virus that causes hepatic inflammation and is associated with substantial morbidity worldwide.28 Around 400 million people worldwide are chronically infected with HBV, substantially increasing their risk of developing cirrhosis and hepatocellular carcinoma.28 Although the underlying mechanisms leading to host defense against HBV infection remain to be clearly defined, there is emerging evidence that innate immunity and especially IFN response are essential for clearance of intrahepatic HBV.13,29,30 Moreover, IFN and nucleoside analogs are currently available for HBV treatment, suggesting the important role of host innate immune response in viral elimination.30,31

The HBV genome comprises a relaxed partially dsDNA of approximately 3.2 kb.30,32 Upon entry and uncoating of HBV in hepatocytes, the relaxed circular DNA (rcDNA) is converted into covalently closed circular DNA, which is then transcribed to generate four RNA species: the 0.7 kb, 2.1 kb, 2.4 kb, and 3.5 kb viral RNA transcripts.32 The RNA species are exported to the cytoplasm and then translated into HBV proteins. The longest 3.5 kb viral RNA is also known as the pregenomic RNA (pgRNA) that serves as the template for reverse transcription and synthesis of new rcDNA.

Given the life cycle of HBV, both DNA and RNA can potentially serve as PAMPs to activate cytosolic nucleic acid sensors. Indeed, two recent studies have identified the roles of two RNA sensors, RIG-I and MDA5, in the recognition of HBV virus and host defense response (table 1).30,32 In the first study, the authors showed that the RNA sensor RIG-I was essential for the recognition of HBV genotypes A, B, and C and for induction of type III IFN expression in human hepatocytes.30 Moreover, their study suggests that the 5′-ε region of HBV pgRNA interacts with RIG-I and is a key element for RIG-I dependent IFN-λ1 induction. However, for genotype D HBV, the second study showed that MDA5, but not RIG-I, is critical for the expression of IFN-stimulated genes (ISGs) following infection.32 The discrepancy between the two studies could be due to distinct genomic sequence of HBV genotype D.33 Interestingly, AIM2-dependent inflammasome formation and the production of IL-1β/IL-18 have been found during HBV infection.34

Table 1.

Nucleic acid sensing by pattern recognition receptors (PRRs) in liver infection and diseases

VirusPRRNucleic AcidExperimental SystemSignaling PathwayCytokine productionReferences
AdenovirusDDX41dsDNAMacrophageTBK1/STING-IRF3IFNβ51
Pol-III/RIG-IdsDNAMacrophageRIG-I-IRF3IFNβ14
cGASdsDNAMacrophageSTING-IRF3IFNβ50
CMVIFI16dsDNAMacrophageSTING-IRF3IFNβ54
DAIdsDNAFibroblastIRF3IFNβ53
AIM2dsDNAIn vivoInflammasomeIL-1β/IL-1825
TLR9/TLR3dsDNAIn vivoMyD88/TRIFIFNα/β/γ52
HBVAIM2dsDNAGlomerular mesangial cellInflammasomeIL-1β/IL-1834
MDA5RNAHepatocyteIRF3IFNβ32
RIG-IpgRNAHepatocyteIRF3/NFκBIFNλ30
HCVNLRP3RNAHepatocyte/ MacrophageInflammasomeIL-1β44,45
TLR3DsRNAHepatocyteNF-κBRANTES, MIP-1α, MIP-1β, IP-10 and IL-646
PKRRNAHepatocyteIRF1–43
RIG-IRNAHepatocyteIRF3IFNα/β/ISG37,39,42
MDA5dsRNAHepatocyteIRF3IFNβ/λ35
mtDNANLRP3Oxidized dsDNAMacrophageInflammasomeIL-1β27
TLR9dsDNAIn vivoMyD88IL-1β/IL-6/IFNα8,67
Apoptotic or necrotic DNATLR9dsDNAIn vivoMyD88IL-1β/IL-18/IL-6/TNFα56,57
Histone/DNATLR9–Kupffer cellsMyD88IL-1β/IL-18/IL-6/TNFα59,68
PlasmodiumMDA5RNAHepatocyteIRF3/IRF7IFNα/β/ISG66

Abbreviations: AIM2, absent in melanoma 2; cGAS, cyclic GMP-AMP synthase; CMV, cytomegalovirus; DAI, DNA-dependent activator of IRF; dsRNA, double-stranded RNA; HBV, hepatitis B virus; HCV, hepatitis C virus; IFI16, gamma-interferon-inducible protein 16; IFN, interferon; IL, interleukin; IRF, interferon regulatory factor; ISG, interferon-stimulated gene; MDA5, melanoma differentiation-associated protein 5; mtDNA, mitochondrial DNA; MyD88, myeloid differentiation primary-response protein 88; pgRNA, pregenomic RNA; PKR, protein kinase R; Pol-III, polymerase III; PRRs, pattern recognition receptors; RANTES, regulated upon activation, normal T cell expressed and secreted; RIG-I, retinoic acid-inducible gene I; STING, stimulator of IFN genes; TLRs, Toll-like receptors; TNFα, tumor necrosis factor alpha; TRIF, TIR domain-containing adaptor inducing IFN-β.

Recognition of HCV by intracellular nucleic acid sensors in the liver

HCV infects nearly 200 million people worldwide, and 80% of infected individuals develop chronic inflammation that may eventually progress to cirrhosis or liver cancer.35,36 The HCV genome contains a positive-sense RNA comprised of highly structured 5′ and 3′ untranslated regions (UTRs) and a large open reading frame that encodes HCV structural and nonstructural proteins.37 Similar to the treatment of HBV, HCV infection is treated with an IFN-α-based therapy,38 suggesting the important role of innate immune response in host defense against HCV.

A few RLRs have been identified that sense cytosolic HCV RNA. RIG-I binds to HCV RNA and signals IRF3 activation to induce the expression of IFNs and ISGs that are essential for viral elimination.37,39–41 RIG-I signaling has been proposed to be negatively regulated by formation of a multimeric complex that is controlled by the internal repressor domain at the C terminus of RIG-I.42 Another RLR LGP2 was shown to bind to HCV RNA, but it functions as a negative regulator of host defense mediated by RIG-I.42 Interestingly, a recent study suggested that MDA5 also plays a critical role in IFN response during HCV infection, and the function of RIG-I maybe limited only to early sensing of the virus infection.35

HCV RNA replication was also shown to trigger dsRNA-induced antiviral pathways mediated by PKR in human hepatoma cells.43 Interestingly, the viral nonstructural 5A protein was found to bind PKR and block the PKR-dependent IFN response, suggesting the potential role of PKR as a cytosolic HCV RNA sensor. NALP3, a NLR that triggers activation of the inflammasome, has also been indicated to sense HCV and induce the secretion of IL-1β through assembly of the inflammasome complex.44,45 However, no studies have demonstrated that NLRP3 directly binds nucleic acids (DNA or RNA), and thus it is possible that NLRP3 in this case is activated by increased reactive oxygen species (ROS) production instead.45 Another study by Li et al. suggests that TLR3 senses HCV dsRNA that is longer than 80-100 base pairs, resulting in NF-κB activation and the production of regulated upon activation, normal T cell expressed and secreted (RANTES), macrophage inflammatory protein-1 alpha (MIP-1α), MIP-1β, IP-10, and IL-6 in hepatocytes.46

Recognition of adenovirus and cytomegalovirus (CMV) by intracellular nucleic acid sensors in the liver

Adenovirus and CMV are dsDNA viruses that typically target tissues other than the liver.47 However, in immunocompromised and liver transplant patients, adenovirus and CMV infections are associated with the development of hepatitis and possibly fulminant liver failure.47,48 CMV, for example, accounts for symptomatic infection in 40% of pediatric liver transplant recipients, and it is associated with substantial morbidity and mortality in these patients.49

An IRF3-dependent type I IFN response was reported in macrophages in response to adenovirus infection.14,50,51 A variety of DNA sensors, including DDX41, Pol-III, and cGAS, have been identified to sense cytosolic dsDNA derived from adenovirus.14,50,51 Infection of a macrophage-like cell line was shown to trigger upregulation of IRF3 primary response genes, such as ISG56 and IFN-β, within 2-6 hours and to induce later the phosphorylation of signal transducer and activator of transcription 1/2 (STAT1/2), a type I IFN secondary signaling molecule, to amplify further the antiviral response.50,51 Interestingly, as an enzyme responsible for transcribing DNA template into RNA, Pol-III was reported to sense adenoviral dsDNA in the cytosol and trigger RIG-I-dependent IFN production.14

Mouse CMV infection was shown to activate two nucleic acid receptors on the endosomal membrane, TLR9 and TLR3, and trigger two nonredundant pathways mediated by MyD88 and TRIF, respectively.52 Both of the receptors are required for type I IFN production in response to mouse CMV infection, whereas neither pathway is enough to provide full protection against the virus.52 Two cytosolic DNA sensors, DAI and IFI16, were also shown to be important for the induction of IFN-β following human CMV infection in macrophages.53,54 In addition, AIM2 was suggested to sense dsDNA derived from mouse CMV and induce the release of IL-1β and IL-18 in vivo.25 IL-18, in turn, was shown to induce further IFN-γ production by natural killer cells in the spleens of CMV-infected mice and results in enhanced control of virus replication.25

Recognition of host nucleic acids in the liver

Cytosolic nucleic acids derived from the host itself represent a group of DAMPs that cause sterile inflammation in the context of cell stress and tissue damage. DNA derived from mitochondria is of particular interest given its similarities to bacterial DNA, which contains immune activating unmethylated CpG motifs.8,55 Mitochondria damaged by cellular stress are degraded by autophagy in immune cells as well as nonimmune cells, including hepatocytes.8,24 It was reported that mitochondrial DNA that escapes from autophagy causes IL-1β and IL-6 production through activation of TLR9 on the lysosomal membrane.8 Cytosolic oxidized mtDNA, on the other hand, has been shown to induce IL-1β secretion upon binding to NLRP3.27 However, although mtDNA can be pulled down with NLRP3 by immunoprecipitation, whether NLRP3 directly interacts with mtDNA remains to be determined.

In models that induce sterile injury in the liver, such as liver ischemia/reperfusion (I/R) and acetaminophen overdose, DNA released from host cells serves as a major source of DAMP to trigger inflammation and liver injury. In an acetaminophen-induced hepatotoxicity model, for example, activation of TLR9 by DNA released from apoptotic and necrotic hepatocytes was shown to trigger the upregulation of pro-IL-1β, pro-IL-18, and TNFα.56,57 Interestingly, in the model of liver I/R, disruption of TLR9 activation by injecting inhibitory CpG immediately before I/R was shown to reduce significantly the release of proinflammatory cytokines IL-6 and TNF by immune cells.58 Moreover, it has been shown that circulating levels of histones, proteins associated with DNA in the nucleus, are significantly increased after liver I/R. These extracellular histones are able to enhance DNA-mediated TLR9 activation during this process.59 Our own data also suggest that AIM2, an inflammasome protein that triggers activation of caspase-1, is essential for sensing cytosolic dsDNA in hepatocytes after redox stress induced by hemorrhagic shock with resuscitation (manuscript submitted), which represents another mechanism of the recognition of nucleic acids derived from host itself (Fig. 1). Rather than leading to cytokine release, activation of AIM2 and caspase-1 in hepatocytes is responsible for upregulation of cellular adaptive responses, such as mitochondrial autophagy and subsequent hepatoprotection in response to redox stress.

Nucleic acid sensing pathways via intracellular DNA/RNA receptors.
Fig. 1.  Nucleic acid sensing pathways via intracellular DNA/RNA receptors.

Under normal biological conditions, hepatocytes exhibit abundant nucleic acid synthesis. Under pathological conditions, mitochondria DNA and cellular RNA transcripts serve as damage-associated molecular patterns (DAMPs) to trigger inflammatory response by activating cytosolic receptors and downstream signaling pathways. In addition, RNA/DNA can be released to the extracellular space, leading to activation of endosomal receptors, such as toll-like receptor (TLR)3, TLR7, and TLR9. While stimulation of TLRs lead to inflammatory cytokine production, primarily via myeloid differentiation primary-response protein 88 (MyD88), tumor necrosis factor receptor-associated factor 6 (TRAF6), nuclear factor kappa B (NF-kB), and mitogen activated protein kinase (MAPK) pathways, dsRNA predominantly causes activation of interferon (IFN) pathways by phosphorylation of interferon regulatory factors (IRFs).

Cellular RNA is a potent and important signal of danger that activates innate immune response in hepatocytes under pathologic conditions. We have provided evidence that adenosine deaminase acting on RNA1 (ADAR1), an RNA editing enzyme, is important to prevent detection of cytosolic self RNA in hepatocytes (Fig. 1).60,61 We showed in a cell model that suppression of ADAR1 expression leads to enhanced RIG-I activation and IFN production following I/R that results in increased organ damage.62 Deletion of ADAR1 gene in mice also leads to type I IFN production and tissue damage in liver under sterile conditions. Moreover, a recent study by Pestal et al. showed that ADAR1 negatively regulates the RLR-MAVS-IFN pathway and plays an essential role in organ development.63 We have found that hepatocytes utilize TLR3 and PKR to detect the dsRNA mimic Poly (I:C) leading to IRF3 and 7 upregulation and type 1 IFN production (manuscript submitted). Taken together, the recent observations on the role of self-sensing nucleic acids in the liver could explain, in part, the pathways leading to type I IFN-induced liver damage in I/R.64 The role of self-derived nucleic acids in driving both immune responses and hepatic immunopathology is a fertile area for further investigation.

Cell-specific nucleic acid sensing in the liver

Many of the nucleic acid sensing pathways described above lead to an antiviral response that is dependent on cytokine production. Given that hepatocytes are the major targets of liver viruses, such as HBV and HCV, and they do not produce high levels of cytokines,24 it is likely that the nucleic acid sensors in hepatocytes are playing different roles than those in immune cells. One of those roles is the production of chemokines and IFNs in response to viral infection.46,65 Cytosolic RNA sensor MDA5, for example, was shown to sense RNA derived from the Plasmodium parasite and to trigger a type I IFN program in hepatocytes.66 Although the liver stage of Plasmodium infection was previously believed to be clinically silent, the authors showed that this type I IFN response in hepatocytes controls liver parasite load and delays the onset of blood parasitemia.11,66 The increase in type I IFN signaling, including upregulation of ISGs after Plasmodium infection, was shown to occur independently of all TLRs or RIG-I, but MDA5 and the adaptor protein MAVS were essential to trigger IRF3/IRF7 induced ISG expression in hepatocytes.66 Moreover, using hepatocyte-specific IFN α receptor 1 knockout (ifnar1-/-) mice, Liehl et al. found that type I IFN signaling triggered within hepatocytes is required for recruitment of immune cells to the site of infection and subsequent parasite elimination.66 Another RNA sensor, NOD2, is also highly expressed in hepatocytes.65 It has been shown that although activation of NOD2 does not lead to chemokine production in hepatocytes, it does synergize with dsRNA polyI:C to activate NF-κB in those cells.65

Conclusion

Viral infection in the liver is a major health problem worldwide, especially in developing countries. Multiple transmembrane and cytosolic receptors have recently been identified to recognize viral RNA and DNA, leading lead to the secretion of pro-inflammatory cytokines, including IFNs. Understanding these nucleic acid sensing mechanisms is, therefore, critical for the development of new therapies. It is clear that both immune cells and nonimmune cells can recognize nucleic acid of both microbial and host origin. However, the cell types differ in response to nucleic acid sensing, and the different responses in various cell types remains to be fully elucidated.

Abbreviations

ADAR1: 

adenosine deaminase acting on RNA1

AIM2: 

absent in melanoma 2

ASC: 

apoptosis-associated speck-like protein containing a caspase recruitment domain

CARD: 

caspase activation and recruitment domain

cGAS: 

cyclic GMP-AMP synthase

CMV: 

cytomegalovirus

CpG: 

cytosine-phosphate-guanine

DAI: 

DNA-dependent activator of IRF

DAMP: 

damage-associated molecular pattern

dsRNA: 

double-stranded RNA

HMGB1: 

high-mobility group box 1

IFI16: 

gamma-interferon-inducible protein 16

IFN: 

interferon

IL: 

interleukin

I/R: 

ischemia/reperfusion

iNOS: 

inducible nitric oxide synthase

IRF: 

interferon regulatory factor

ISGs: 

interferon-stimulated genes

LGP2: 

laboratory of genetics and physiology 2

LRR: 

leucine-rich repeat

MDP: 

muramyldipeptide

MDA5: 

melanoma differentiation-associated protein 5

mtDNA: 

mitochondrial DNA

MyD88: 

myeloid differentiation primary-response protein 88

NF-κB: 

nuclear factor κB

NLRs: 

NOD-like receptors

NOD2: 

nucleotide-binding oligomerization domain protein 2

PAMP: 

pathogen-associated molecular patterns

pgRNA: 

pregenomic RNA

PKR: 

protein kinase R

Pol-III: 

polymerase III

poly[I:C]: 

polyinosinic-polycytidylic acid

PRRs: 

pattern recognition receptors

RANTES: 

regulated upon activation, normal T cell expressed and secreted

RIG-I: 

retinoic acid-inducible gene I

RLRs: 

RIG-I like receptors

ROS: 

reactive oxygen species

ssRNA: 

single-stranded RNA

STAT1/2: 

signal transducer and activator of transcription 1/2

STING: 

stimulator of IFN genes

TLRs: 

Toll-like receptors

TNFα: 

tumor necrosis factor alpha

TRAF6: 

tumor necrosis factor receptor-associated factor 6

TRIF: 

TIR domain-containing adaptor inducing IFN-β

UTRs: 

untranslated regions

Declarations

Acknowledgement

Work funded through grant from NIH to TRB (R01GM044100).

Conflict of interest

None

Authors’ contributions

Proposed the concept of the review (TRB), wrote the manuscript (QS, QW), and critically reviewed the manuscript (TRB, MJS).

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Copyright © 2016 The Second Affiliated Hospital of Chongqing Medical University. Published by XIA & HE Publishing Inc. All rights reserved. This is an Open Access article distributed under the terms of the Creative Commons Attribution-Noncommercial 4.0 License (CC BY-NC 4.0), permitting all non-commercial use, distribution, and reproduction in any medium, provided the original work is properly cited.
  • Journal of Clinical and Translational Hepatology
  • pISSN 2225-0719
  • eISSN 2310-8819

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Immune Activation in the Liver by Nucleic Acids

Qian Sun, Qingde Wang, Melanie J. Scott, Timothy R. Billiar
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