Current studies using knockout mice have revealed that some Cys-Cys-Cys-His (CCCH)-type zinc-finger proteins, namely tristetraprolin (TTP), Roquin and Regnase-1, play important roles in the immune system. These proteins are closely associated with the fate of their target RNAs in normal immune responses. However, the functions of many RNA-binding proteins have not been characterized precisely. To understand the molecular mechanisms of RNA metabolism in the immune system, investigation of TTP/Roquin/Regnase-1 might provide new knowledge. In this review, we will discuss the current understanding of these proteins in immune regulation and homeostasis and discuss RNA metabolism in the immune system.
Keywords: RNA-binding protein; inflammatory cytokine; mRNA stability; zinc-finger protein.
© The Author 2017. Published by Oxford University Press on behalf of The Japanese Society for Immunology.