Mobile genetic elements as sources of endogenous immune-stimulatory nucleic acids (B19)

• Subject Area: Virology ; Immunology
• Term: since 2018
• Project identifier: Deutsche Forschungsgemeinschaft (DFG) - Project number 369799452

In the previous funding period, we found that loss of SAMHD1 spontaneously activates the MDA5/MAVS double-stranded RNA sensing pathway only when cGAS/STING-dependent DNA sensing was intact. Next, we aim at identifying the endogenous MDA5 ligand in SAMHD1 deficient cells and molecular mechanisms underlying cGAS-dependent innate immune priming. To this end we will specifically investigate the role of endogenous retroelements in inducing tonic interferon signalling.

• DFG Programme: CRC/Transregios
• Subproject of: TRR 237: Nucleic Acid Immunity
• Applicant Institution: Ludwig-Maximilians-Universität München
• Project Head: Professor Dr. Rayk Behrendt