How does the body protect itself from DNA damage and external threats? This research delves into the intricate relationship between DNA-Damage Response (DDR) networks and the immune system, revealing a close interplay essential for maintaining cellular health. The study elucidates how DDR pathways, including Base-Excision Repair (BER) and Homologous Recombination (HR), collaborate with innate and adaptive immune responses to combat DNA damage caused by replication stress or external insults. Key immune effectors, such as the cGAS-STING pathway, act as sensors, triggering immune responses to DNA damage, while DDR components initiate inflammatory cytokine production or programmed cell death. Defective DDR can lead to genomic instability and compromised immunity, contributing to conditions like cancer and autoimmune disorders. These discoveries shed light on the dual role of DDR network modulators, offering potential new avenues for treating DNA damage-linked infectious diseases and developing targeted immunotherapies, particularly against cancer. This research highlights the importance of understanding DDR and immunological response in tandem.
Published in Cellular and Molecular Life Sciences, this paper aligns with the journal's focus on cell biology, molecular mechanisms, and genetics. It contributes to understanding cellular responses to stress and the intricate interplay between DNA repair and immune functions, which are central themes in the journal's scope. By exploring the connection between DDR and immunity, the paper offers insights into disease pathogenesis and potential therapeutic strategies relevant to the journal's readership.