RNA and DNA sensors

RNA and DNA sensors are specialized proteins that can detect the presence of foreign RNA or DNA molecules within cells, which is a key mechanism of the innate immune system to recognize viral infections or other genetic threats.

Cytosolic DNA sensors are proteins that recognize DNA molecules present in the cytoplasm of the cell, which is an abnormal location for DNA and indicates a potential viral infection or other genetic threat.

Endosomal DNA sensors detect DNA molecules present within endosomes, which can occur during viral infections or after phagocytosis of extracellular DNA or DNA-containing particles.

The detection of foreign nucleic acids by these sensors triggers signaling cascades that lead to the production of type I interferons, pro-inflammator…