Emerging role of RNA modification N6-methyladenosine in immune evasion

Cell Death Dis. 2021 Mar 19;12(4):300. doi: 10.1038/s41419-021-03585-z.

Abstract

The innate and adaptive immune cells have complex signaling pathways for sensing and initiating immune responses against disease. These pathways are interrupted at different levels to occur immune evasion, including by N6-methyladenosine (m6A) modification. In this review, we discuss studies revealing the immune evasion mechanism by m6A modification, which underlies the retouching of these signaling networks and the rapid tolerance of innate and adaptive immune molecules during disease. We also focus on the functions of m6A in main chemokines regulation, and their roles in promotive and suppressive immune cell recruitment. We then discuss some of the current challenges in the field and describe future directions for the immunological mechanisms of m6A modification.

Publication types

  • Research Support, Non-U.S. Gov't
  • Review

MeSH terms

  • Adenosine / analogs & derivatives*
  • Adenosine / immunology
  • Disease Progression
  • Humans
  • Immune Evasion / immunology*
  • RNA / genetics*

Substances

  • RNA
  • N-methyladenosine
  • Adenosine