The proper function of the innate immune system depends on an intricate network of regulation that promotes effective responses to pathogens while avoiding autoimmunity. Circular RNAs (circRNAs), a class of RNAs that lack 5′ and 3′ ends, have emerged as key actors in these networks. Recent studies have demonstrated that endogenous circRNAs in eukaryotes regulate the activation of innate immune proteins and cells through diverse modes of action. Some DNA viruses also encode circRNAs, and foreign circRNAs have been found to stimulate an innate immune response. This review summarizes recent investigations that reveal the critical roles that circRNAs play in innate immunity and points to future areas of study in this emerging field.

先天免疫系统的正常功能取决于复杂的调节网络，该网络促进对病原体的有效反应，同时避免自身免疫。环状 RNA (circRNA) 是一类缺乏 5' 和 3' 末端的 RNA，已成为这些网络中的关键角色。最近的研究表明，真核生物中的内源性 circRNA 通过多种作用方式调节先天免疫蛋白和细胞的激活。一些 DNA 病毒也编码 circRNA，并且已发现外来 circRNA 可刺激先天免疫反应。这篇综述总结了最近的研究，这些研究揭示了 circRNA 在先天免疫中发挥的关键作用，并指出了这一新兴领域的未来研究领域。