Recognize Yourself-Innate Sensing of Non-LTR Retrotransposons

Although mobile genetic elements, or transposons, have played an important role in genome evolution, excess activity of mobile elements can have detrimental consequences. Already, the enhanced expression of transposons-derived nucleic acids can trigger autoimmune reactions that may result in severe autoinflammatory disorders. Thus, cells contain several layers of protective measures to restrict transposons and to sense the enhanced activity of these intragenomic pathogens. This review focuses on our current understanding of immunogenic patterns derived from the most active elements in humans, the retrotransposons long interspersed element (LINE)-1 and Alu. We describe the role of known pattern recognition receptors in nucleic acid sensing of LINE-1 and Alu and the possible consequences for autoimmune diseases.

Automated summary

Although mobile genetic elements are important in genome evolution, excessive activity can trigger autoimmune reactions, leading to severe autoinflammatory disorders. Cells have protective measures to restrict and sense the enhanced activity of these intragenomic pathogens. Recognizing the immunogenic patterns derived from active elements like LINE-1 and Alu can provide insights into autoimmune diseases.