A20: linking a complex regulator of ubiquitylation to immunity and human disease

Nat Rev Immunol. 2012 Nov;12(11):774-85. doi: 10.1038/nri3313. Epub 2012 Oct 12.

Abstract

A20 (also known as TNFAIP3) is a potent anti-inflammatory signalling molecule that restricts multiple intracellular signalling cascades. Recent studies in three general areas have converged to highlight the clinical and biological importance of A20. First, human genetic studies have strongly linked polymorphisms and mutations in the gene encoding A20 to inflammatory, autoimmune and malignant diseases. Second, studies in gene-targeted mice have revealed that A20 regulates multiple immune cell functions and prevents experimental diseases that closely mimic human conditions. Third, biochemical studies have unveiled complex mechanisms by which A20 regulates ubiquitin-dependent nuclear factor-κB and cell-survival signals. Taken together, these studies are revealing the importance of A20-mediated regulation of ubiquitin-dependent signalling in human disease.

Publication types

  • Research Support, N.I.H., Extramural
  • Review

MeSH terms

  • Animals
  • Autoimmune Diseases / genetics
  • Autoimmune Diseases / metabolism*
  • DNA-Binding Proteins / genetics
  • DNA-Binding Proteins / metabolism*
  • Humans
  • Inflammation / immunology
  • Inflammation / metabolism
  • Inflammation Mediators
  • Intracellular Signaling Peptides and Proteins / genetics
  • Intracellular Signaling Peptides and Proteins / metabolism*
  • Mice
  • NF-kappa B / immunology
  • NF-kappa B / metabolism*
  • Neoplasms / metabolism*
  • Nuclear Proteins / genetics
  • Nuclear Proteins / metabolism*
  • Signal Transduction*
  • Tumor Necrosis Factor alpha-Induced Protein 3
  • Ubiquitination

Substances

  • DNA-Binding Proteins
  • Inflammation Mediators
  • Intracellular Signaling Peptides and Proteins
  • NF-kappa B
  • Nuclear Proteins
  • TNFAIP3 protein, human
  • Tumor Necrosis Factor alpha-Induced Protein 3