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Indomethacin restrains cytoplasmic nucleic acid-stimulated immune responses by inhibiting the nuclear translocation of IRF3
Miao Wang1 , Xiao-Wei Li1 , Sen-Chao Yuan1 , Jie Pan1 , Zeng-Lin Guo1 , Li-Ming Sun1 , Shao-Zhen Jiang1,2 , Ming Zhao1 , Wen Xue1 , Hong Cai1 , Lin Gu1 , Dan Luo1,3 , Ling Chen1,3 , Xue-Qing Zhou1 , Qiu-Ying Han1 , Jin Li1 , Tao Zhou1 , Tian Xia1,* , Tao Li1,2,*
1Nanhu Laboratory, National Center of Biomedical Analysis, Beijing 100850, China
2School of Basic Medical Sciences, Fudan University, Shanghai 200032, China
3School of Medicine, Tsinghua University, Beijing 100084, China
*Correspondence to:Tao Li , Email:tli@ncba.ac.cn Tian Xia , Email:txia@ncba.ac.cn
J Mol Cell Biol, Volume 16, Issue 4, April 2024, mjae015,  https://doi.org/10.1093/jmcb/mjae015
Keyword: indomethacin, IRF3 nuclear translocation, autoimmune diseases

The recognition of cytosolic nucleic acid triggers the DNA/RNA sensor–IRF3 axis-mediated production of type I interferons (IFNs), which are essential for antiviral immune responses. However, the inappropriate activation of these signaling pathways is implicated in autoimmune conditions. Here, we report that indomethacin, a widely used nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drug, inhibits nucleic acid-triggered IFN production. We found that both DNA- and RNA-stimulated IFN expression can be effectively blocked by indomethacin. Interestingly, indomethacin also prohibits the nuclear translocation of IRF3 following cytosolic nucleic acid recognition. Importantly, in cell lines and a mouse model of Aicardi–Goutières syndrome, indomethacin administration blunts self-DNA-induced autoimmune responses. Thus, our study reveals a previously unknown function of indomethacin and provides a potential treatment for cytosolic nucleic acid-stimulated autoimmunity.