Nucleases: From Primitive Immune Defenders to Modern Biotechnology Tools.

IF 4.9 3区 医学 Q2 IMMUNOLOGY
Immunology Pub Date : 2024-12-16 DOI:10.1111/imm.13884
Frank J Hernandez
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引用次数: 0

Abstract

The story of nucleases begins on the ancient battlefields of early Earth, where simple bacteria fought to survive against viral invaders. Nucleases are enzymes that degrade nucleic acids, with restriction endonucleases emerging as some of the earliest defenders, cutting foreign DNA to protect their bacteria hosts. However, bacteria sought more than just defence. They evolved the CRISPR-Cas system, an adaptive immune mechanism capable of remembering past invaders. The now-famous Cas9 nuclease, a key player in this system, has been harnessed for genome editing, revolutionising biotechnology. Over time, nucleases evolved from basic viral defence tools into complex regulators of immune function in higher organisms. In humans, DNases and RNases maintain immune balance by clearing cellular debris, preventing autoimmunity, and defending against pathogens. These enzymes have transformed from simple bacterial defenders to critical players in both human immunity and biotechnology. This review explores the evolutionary history of nucleases and their vital roles as protectors in the story of life's defence mechanisms.

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来源期刊
Immunology
Immunology 医学-免疫学
CiteScore
11.90
自引率
1.60%
发文量
175
审稿时长
4-8 weeks
期刊介绍: Immunology is one of the longest-established immunology journals and is recognised as one of the leading journals in its field. We have global representation in authors, editors and reviewers. Immunology publishes papers describing original findings in all areas of cellular and molecular immunology. High-quality original articles describing mechanistic insights into fundamental aspects of the immune system are welcome. Topics of interest to the journal include: immune cell development, cancer immunology, systems immunology/omics and informatics, inflammation, immunometabolism, immunology of infection, microbiota and immunity, mucosal immunology, and neuroimmunology. The journal also publishes commissioned review articles on subjects of topical interest to immunologists, and commissions in-depth review series: themed sets of review articles which take a 360° view of select topics at the heart of immunological research.
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