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  • Similarities in the induction of the intracellular pathogen response in Caenorhabditis elegans and the type I interferon response in mammals
Title: Similarities in the induction of the intracellular pathogen response in Caenorhabditis elegans and the type I interferon response in mammals
Abstract Although the type‐I interferon (IFN‐I) response is considered vertebrate‐specific, recent findings about the Intracellular Pathogen Response (IPR) in nematodeCaenorhabditis elegansindicate that there are similarities between these two transcriptional immunological programs. The IPR is induced during infection with natural intracellular fungal and viral pathogens of the intestine and promotes resistance against these pathogens. Similarly, the IFN‐I response is induced by viruses and other intracellular pathogens and promotes resistance against infection. Whether the IPR and the IFN‐I response evolved in a divergent or convergent manner is an unanswered and exciting question, which could be addressed by further studies of immunity against intracellular pathogens inC. elegansand other simple host organisms. Here we highlight similar roles played by RIG‐I‐like receptors, purine metabolism enzymes, proteotoxic stressors, and transcription factors to induce the IPR and IFN‐I response, as well as the similar consequences of these defense programs on organismal development.  more » « less
Award ID(s):
2301657
PAR ID:
10477893
Author(s) / Creator(s):
; ; ;
Publisher / Repository:
NSF Public Access Repository
Date Published:
Journal Name:
BioEssays
Volume:
45
Issue:
11
ISSN:
0265-9247
Format(s):
Medium: X
Sponsoring Org:
National Science Foundation
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