Self versus non-self discrimination during CRISPR RNA-directed immunity

Luciano A. Marraffini () and Erik J. Sontheimer ()
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Luciano A. Marraffini: Molecular Biology and Cell Biology, Northwestern University, 2205 Tech Drive, Evanston, Illinois 60208, USA
Erik J. Sontheimer: Molecular Biology and Cell Biology, Northwestern University, 2205 Tech Drive, Evanston, Illinois 60208, USA

Nature, 2010, vol. 463, issue 7280, 568-571

Abstract: Self/non-self recognition Bacteria and archaea that take up exogenous DNA are equipped with host immunity systems that can recognize and eliminate the foreign DNA. One such system is mediated by the CRISPR genes, which encode small RNAs (crRNAs). CRISPR loci consist of repeats and spacer sequences. When the crRNA spacer sequence pairs with complementary invading DNA, it is marked for elimination. Luciano Marraffini and Erik Sontheimer resolve how the spacer DNA within the CRISPR loci themselves is not recognized as foreign; sequences outside the spacer show perfect pairing to the crRNAs while invading DNA will have mismatches. Differential complementarity of this type may underlie many types of self/non-self recognition — a key function in all immune systems.

Date: 2010
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DOI: 10.1038/nature08703

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