Specific families of pattern recognition receptors are responsible for detecting viral pathogens and generating innate immune responses. Non-self RNA appearing in a cell as a result of intracellular viral replication is recognized by a family of cytosolic RNA helicases termed RIG-I-like receptors (RLRs). The RLR proteins include RIG-I, MDA5, and LGP2 and are expressed in both immune and nonimmune cells. Upon recognition of viral nucleic acids, RLRs recruit specific intracellular adaptor proteins to initiate signaling pathways that lead to the synthesis of type I interferon and other inflammatory cytokines, which are important for eliminating viruses.

Organismal Systems; Immune system
BRITE hierarchy

PMID:15208624

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Curr Opin Immunol 20:17-22 (2008)
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Immunity 28:735-9 (2008)
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PMID:19615405

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PMID:18984593

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TRAF6 and MEKK1 play a pivotal role in the RIG-I-like helicase antiviral pathway.

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PMID:19224920

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