Nucleic acid sensing by innate immune receptors
The innate immune response is critical for successful host defence against virus infection. Cell-intrinsic mechanisms detect virus presence and restrict virus replication. Nucleic acids are often a molecular signature of virus infection and are recognised by innate receptors including toll-like receptors, RIG-I-like receptors and cytosolic DNA sensors. These receptors signal for the induction of innate response genes such as those encoding type I interferons. These in turn induce the expression of restriction factors, host proteins that limit virus replication.

Our work focuses on cytosolic nucleic acid sensors, in particular RIG-I, MDA5 and cGAS. We are also studying the restriction factor SAMHD1. We are using in vitro and in vivo models of virus infection (including influenza A virus, retroviruses and varicella-zoster virus) and are interested in Aicardi-Goutières syndrome, a rare genetic disease linked to chronic anti-viral innate immune responses. In this presentation, I will discuss our recent work on cGAS and other nucleic acid sensors.
Date: 26 January 2017, 11:00
Venue: Richard Doll Building, Old Road Campus OX3 7LF
Venue Details: Lecture Theatre
Speaker: Dr Jan Rehwinkel (MRC Human Immunology Unit, WIMM, University of Oxford )
Organising department: Ludwig Institute for Cancer Research, Oxford Branch
Organisers: Christina Woodward (Oxford Ludwig Institute, Nuffield Department of Medicine, University of Oxford), Mary Muers (Oxford Ludwig Institute, NDM Experimental Medicine), Alexandra Ward (University of Oxford, Oxford Ludwig Institute, NDM Experimental Medicine)
Organiser contact email address: christina.woodward@ludwig.ox.ac.uk
Host: Prof Xin Lu (Ludwig Cancer Research, Oxford Branch)
Part of: Ludwig Institute Seminar Series
Topics:
Booking required?: Not required
Audience: Members of the University only
Editors: Mary Muers, Christina Woodward