ABSTRACT
The mitochondrion provides a coordinating platform to anchor and compartmentalize distinct and interactive protein complexes to sustain basic life functions. These include bioenergetics, reactive oxygen species regulation, autophagy, apoptosis and type 1 interferon innate immune response. A number of mitochondrial proteins that are actively shutded between the mitochondria and other subcellular compartments have been shown to control key immune signaling pathways, such as NF-kB and IRFs, in response to PAMPs (Pathogen-Associated Molecular Patterns). We have previously proposed that these proteins form mitochondrial immune signaling complex(es) (MISC), which mediate(s) a host of immune functions, a primary one being the production of type 1 interferons and inflammatory cytokines. This chapter focuses on the composition and functions of MISC, its regulatory mechanisms, and its association with upstream and downstream signaling molecules.
