Emerging Role of RNA Modifications in Autoimmune Disorder Development
New research uncovers how chemical modifications of RNA, particularly glycosylation, help prevent immune detection of self-RNA and may influence autoimmune disease development.
Recent research published in Nature has shed new light on how specific chemical modifications of RNA may influence the onset of autoimmune diseases. Led by Dr. Ryan Flynn in collaboration with experts from UConn Health and Boston Children's Hospital, the study explores how the immune system detects and responds to RNA molecules within our bodies.
RNA plays a vital role in our innate immune defense, helping identify invading pathogens. However, because RNA is not unique to pathogens, our bodies employ various mechanisms, including chemical modifications, to prevent the immune system from erroneously attacking self-RNA. One such modification involves N-glycosylation, a process where small RNAs are adorned with sialic acid-containing glycans, termed glycoRNAs, which are transported to the cell surface without triggering immune sensors.
The research investigates the purpose of these glycoRNAs, revealing that the N-glycans serve a protective role by hiding a particular RNA modification known as acp3U (acetylated uracil), which, when exposed, can stimulate immune responses. The team discovered that the glycan cloaks these immunostimulatory RNA bases, effectively preventing activation of innate immune pathways.
These findings propose a natural immune evasion mechanism whereby glycoRNAs prevent the immune system from perceiving self-RNA as a threat. Importantly, since immune sensors that recognize RNA are implicated in autoimmune conditions like lupus, the study raises questions about whether alterations in RNA glycosylation could contribute to the development of such disorders.
Understanding how RNA modifications influence immune recognition opens potential avenues for therapeutic interventions targeting autoimmune diseases. It underscores the significance of RNA biology in maintaining immune homeostasis and provides insights into how dysregulation might lead to autoimmunity.
Source: https://medicalxpress.com/news/2025-08-rna-modifications-contribute-autoimmune-disorders.html
Stay Updated with Mia's Feed
Get the latest health & wellness insights delivered straight to your inbox.
Related Articles
Widening Health and Social Inequalities Faced by Older Adults in Northern England
A new report uncovers the alarming extent of health, social, and economic inequalities faced by older adults in Northern England, calling for targeted policy action to promote equitable aging outcomes.
California Advances Legislation to Eliminate PFAS 'Forever Chemicals' from Cookware and Household Products
California is enacting legislation to phase out PFAS 'forever chemicals' from cookware, cleaning products, and household items to protect public health and the environment. The bill aims to reduce exposure to harmful chemicals linked to serious health issues.
Muscle Loss from GLP-1 Drugs Like Ozempic May Be Less Severe Than Previously Thought
Emerging research indicates that muscle loss associated with GLP-1 drugs like Ozempic may be less significant than previously estimated, with implications for patient safety and long-term use.
Enhancing Epidemic Control with Intelligent Data-Driven Algorithms
Innovative model-predictive control algorithms enhance epidemic management by optimizing intervention timing using noisy real-time data, leading to more effective outbreak containment.