Regnase-1 Is an Endoribonuclease Essential for the Maintenance of Immune Homeostasis

Regnase-1, also known as Zc3h12a or MCPIP1, is responsible for endonucleolytic cleavage of mRNAs encoding proteins involved in inflammatory responses. Furthermore, Regnase-1-mediated mRNA decay (RMD) is critical for the maintenance of immune homeostasis. Regnase-1 controls the magnitude of innate and adaptive immune responses, and thereby dysfunction of this protein in mice leads to the development of spontaneous systemic inflammation. During the last several years, advances have been made in understanding molecular mechanisms of RMD. In this article, unique functions of Regnase-1 in controlling inflammation are discussed.