An essential role for the antiviral endoribonuclease, RNase-L, in antibacterial immunity.

ABSTRACT: Type I interferons were discovered as the primary antiviral cytokines and are now known to serve critical functions in host defense against bacterial pathogens. Accordingly, established mediators of interferon antiviral activity may mediate previously unrecognized antibacterial functions. RNase-L is the terminal component of an RNA decay pathway that is an important mediator of interferon-induced antiviral activity. Here we identify a novel role for RNase-L in the host antibacterial response. RNase-L-/- mice exhibited a dramatic increase in mortality following challenge with Bacillus anthracis and Escherichia coli; this increased susceptibility was due to a compromised immune response resulting in increased bacterial load. Investigation of the mechanisms of RNase-L antibacterial activity

ORGANISM(S): Mus musculus

SUBMITTER: Saroj Mohapatra 

PROVIDER: E-GEOD-13530 | biostudies-arrayexpress |

REPOSITORIES: biostudies-arrayexpress