ADAR1 and ZBP1 in innate immunity, cell death, and disease

ADAR1 and ZBP1 are the only two mammalian proteins that contain Z alpha domains, which are thought to bind to nucleic acids in the Z-conformation. These two mole-cules are crucial in regulating diverse biological processes. While ADAR1-mediated RNA editing supports host survival and development, ZBP1-mediated immune responses provide host defense against infection and disease. Recent studies have expanded our understanding of the functions of ADAR1 and ZBP1 beyond their classical roles and established their fundamental regulation of innate immune responses, including NLRP3 inflammasome activation, inflamma-tion, and cell death. Their roles in these processes have physiological impacts across development, infectious and inflammatory diseases, and cancer. In this re-view, we discuss the functions of ADAR1 and ZBP1 in regulating innate immune responses in development and disease.

Automated summary

ADAR1 and ZBP1 are two mammalian proteins with Z alpha domains that bind to nucleic acids. They play crucial roles in regulating various biological processes. Recent studies have expanded our understanding of their functions, establishing their fundamental regulation of innate immune responses. This review discusses their roles in innate immune responses in development and disease.