@article {Lam2022.01.13.476238, author = {LK Metthew Lam and Jane Dobkin and Kaitlyn A. Eckart and Ian Gereg and Andrew DiSalvo and Amber Nolder and Eman Anis and Julie C. Ellis and Greg Turner and Nilam S. Mangalmurti}, title = {Bat Red Blood Cells express Nucleic Acid Sensing Receptors and bind RNA and DNA}, elocation-id = {2022.01.13.476238}, year = {2022}, doi = {10.1101/2022.01.13.476238}, publisher = {Cold Spring Harbor Laboratory}, abstract = {Red blood cells (RBCs) demonstrate immunomodulatory capabilities through the expression of nucleic acid sensors. However, little is known about bat RBCs, and no studies have examined the immune function of bat erythrocytes. Here we show that bat RBCs express the nucleic acid-sensing Toll-like receptors TLR7 and TLR9 and bind the nucleic acid ligands, single-stranded RNA, and CpG DNA. Collectively, these data suggest that, like human RBCs, bat erythrocytes possess immune function and may be reservoirs for nucleic acids. These findings provide unique insight into bat immunity and may uncover potential mechanisms by which virulent pathogens in humans are concealed in bats.Competing Interest StatementThe authors have declared no competing interest.}, URL = {https://www.biorxiv.org/content/early/2022/01/14/2022.01.13.476238}, eprint = {https://www.biorxiv.org/content/early/2022/01/14/2022.01.13.476238.full.pdf}, journal = {bioRxiv} }