"Discovery of Immune System 'Switch' Prevents Attack on Healthy Cells"

Scientists have identified a "switch" that deactivates a sensor of foreign DNA, preventing the immune system from attacking healthy cells. This switch, a protein complex named CRL5–SPSB3, marks the enzyme cGAS for disposal when no immune response is required, providing insight into immune system regulation. Understanding this process could lead to potential therapeutic developments for autoimmune disorders, as it sheds light on how the immune system controls malfunction in conditions like type 1 diabetes and inflammatory bowel disease.