Article ID | Journal | Published Year | Pages | File Type |
---|---|---|---|---|
6132252 | Current Opinion in Microbiology | 2013 | 8 Pages |
Abstract
Some RNA virus genomes bear 5â²-triphosphates, which can be recognized in the cytoplasm of infected cells by host proteins that mediate anti-viral immunity. Both the innate sensor RIG-I and the interferon-induced IFIT proteins bind to 5â²-triphosphate viral RNAs. RIG-I signals for induction of interferons during RNA virus infection while IFITs sequester viral RNAs to exert an anti-viral effect. Notably, the structures of these proteins reveal both similarities and differences, which are suggestive of independent evolution towards ligand binding. 5â²-triphosphates, which are absent from most RNAs in the cytosol of uninfected cells, are thus a marker of virus infection that is targeted by the innate immune system for both induction and execution of the anti-viral response.
Related Topics
Life Sciences
Immunology and Microbiology
Microbiology
Authors
Jan Rehwinkel, Caetano Reis e Sousa,