CARD8 helps human immune system respond to some viruses, including COVID-19
In a study published on June 8th in the open access journal PLOS Biology, researchers led by Matthew D. Daugherty from the University of California, United States, have shed light on the crucial role of molecular sensors known as the "inflammasome" in activating inflammatory responses against pathogens.
The study reveals that one particular sensor, CARD8, has undergone significant evolutionary advancements, enabling it to detect various types of viruses and play a vital role in the human immune system's ability to sense and mount a response against coronavirus infections.
Unraveling the mechanisms behind pathogen detection is crucial for understanding the activation of immune responses in the human body. However, the specific mechanisms involved in this detection process have remained elusive. To shed light on the evolutionary adaptations of CARD8 in sensing viral infections, the team of researchers conducted a comprehensive series of experiments utilizing human cell lines. These experiments aimed to investigate how CARD8 responds to various viruses. Additionally, the researchers analyzed genetic variations of CARD8 across different mammalian species and within the human population. By combining these approaches, the study aimed to gain insights into the evolutionary history and functional significance of CARD8 in the context of pathogen detection.
The study's findings demonstrated the indispensable role of CARD8 in initiating an effective immune response against coronavirus infections. Furthermore, the researchers discovered that CARD8 possesses the capability to detect viral enzymes from a minimum of three distinct virus families, including the Coronaviridae family to which coronaviruses belong. Notably, CARD8 has undergone significant evolutionary changes across various mammalian species. Additionally, variations in CARD8 were observed among different individuals within the human population.
