BackgroundImagesSequence SpecificityBuffer & StorageReviews Host- and pathogen-associated cytoplasmic double-stranded DNA triggers the activation of a NALP3-independent inflammasome, which activates caspase-1, leading to maturation of pro-interleukin-1beta and inflammation. Several studies have isolated AIM2 (absent in melanoma 2) as a candidate cytoplasmic-DNA-sensing protein that contains an N-terminal pyrin domain and C-terminal oligonucleotide binding domain. A screen for transcripts induced by interferon-beta identified AIM2 gene expression. AIM2 protein bound double-stranded DNA, recruited the inflammasome adaptor ASC, and localized to ASC containing speckles. AIM2 and ASC form a pyroptosome, which induces pyroptotic cell death mediated by caspase-1. RNA-mediated suppression of AIM2 expression impairs DNA-induced maturation of interleukin-1beta in THP-1 human monocytic cells, as well as abrogates caspase-1 activation in response to cytoplasmic double-stranded DNA and the double-stranded DNA vaccinia virus. Thus, AIM2 is a DNA-sensing protein for the activation of the caspase-1 inflammasome.  ReferencesBürckstümmer, T. et al. (2009). Nat Immunol. 10(3):266. Fernandes-Alnemri, T. (2009) Nature. 458(7237):509.Hornung, V. et al. (2009). Nature. 458(7237):514.Roberts, T.L. et al. (2009). Science. 323(5917):1057. Western blot analysis of human Jurkat cells (lane 1), mouse macrophages untreated (lane 2) and treated (lane 3) with IFNγ (10 ng/ml) and LPS (1µg/ml) for 12 hr (20 µg/lane). The blot was probed with rabbit polyclonal anti-AIM2 (N-terminal region) antibody at 1:1000.Western blot analysis of human recombinant AIM2 full length sequence with N-terminal GST tag (62 kDa). The blot was probed with rabbit polyclonal anti-AIM2 (N-terminal region) antibody at 1:250 (lane 1) and 1:1000 (lane 2). AIM2 synthetic peptide (coupled to KLH) corresponds to amino acid residues in the N-terminal region of human AIM2. This peptide sequence is highly conserved in rat and mouse AIM2.*For more information, see UniProt Accession O14862Rabbit polyclonal, affinity-purified antibody is supplied in 100µl phosphate-buffered saline, 50% glycerol, 1 mg/ml BSA, and 0.05% sodium azide. Store at –20°C. Stable for 1 year. The products are are safely shipped at ambient temperature for both domestic and international shipments. Each product is guaranteed to match the specifications as indicated on the corresponding technical data sheet. Please store at -20C upon arrival for long term storage.This antibody was affinity purified using AIM2 (N-terminal region) peptide (without carrier). The antibody detects a 40 kDa* doublet corresponding to AIM2 in immunoblots of Jurkat cells, as well as mouse macrophages treated with IFNγ and LPS.*All molecular weights (MW) are confirmed by comparison to Bio-Rad Rainbow Markers and to western blotmobilities of known proteins with similar MW.This kit contains:KIT SUMMARY