“Mitochondrial DNA in inflammation and immunity” (2020), by Joel S. Riley et al. Immunology and Microbiology research paper. Original abstract below, unchanged. A free PDF is available.

Mitochondrial DNA in inflammation and immunity

Joel S. Riley, Stephen W. G. Tait · March 23, 2020 · Immunology and Microbiology

Abstract

Mitochondria are cellular organelles that orchestrate a vast range of biological processes, from energy production and metabolism to cell death and inflammation. Despite this seemingly symbiotic relationship, mitochondria harbour within them a potent agonist of innate immunity: their own genome. Release of mitochondrial DNA into the cytoplasm and out into the extracellular milieu activates a plethora of different pattern recognition receptors and innate immune responses, including cGAS-STING, TLR9 and inflammasome formation leading to, among others, robust type I interferon responses. In this Review, we discuss how mtDNA can be released from the mitochondria, the various inflammatory pathways triggered by mtDNA release and its myriad biological consequences for health and disease.

Free PDF DOI: 10.15252/embr.201949799