ZBP1, a dsRNA Sensor for Cell Death and Inflammation

TNFs promote programmed cell death (PCD), including apoptosis and necroptosis under certain circumstance [14]. Evidence showed that TNF-induced cell death is the pathology of certain inflammatory diseases [4]. However, some inflammation caused by cell death are TNF-independent. Recently, several groups reported that ZBP1, once thought to be a DNA sensor, triggers PCD and inflammation upon virus infection or endogenous retrovirus activation [5-8]. Understanding the pathologic role of ZBP1 may contribute to the treatment of incurable inflammation in clinic.