T time for ADAR: ADAR1 is required for T cell self-tolerance.

Abstract

ADAR1, an RNA‐editing enzyme, plays a key role in preventing self‐RNAs from triggering autoinflammatory responses. In this issue of EMBO reports , Nakahama and colleagues uncover a novel role for ADAR1 in T cells [1]. The authors report that in T cells, ADAR1‐mediated suppression of type I interferon‐stimulated gene (ISG) expression is required for thymic T cell self‐tolerance and prevention of colitis. These findings establish a novel function of ADAR1 in T cells and suggest that autoreactive T cells may contribute to disease symptoms in autoinflammatory disorders.