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

Macaca mulatta (rhesus monkey) [GN:mcc]

PMID:15208624

Yoneyama M, Kikuchi M, Natsukawa T, Shinobu N, Imaizumi T, Miyagishi M, Taira K, Akira S, Fujita T

The RNA helicase RIG-I has an essential function in double-stranded RNA-induced innate antiviral responses.

Nat Immunol 5:730-7 (2004)
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PMID:18272355

Takeuchi O, Akira S

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Curr Opin Immunol 20:17-22 (2008)
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PMID:19120475

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Immunol Rev 227:54-65 (2009)
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PMID:19539500

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Semin Immunol 21:215-22 (2009)
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PMID:18549796

Moore CB, Ting JP

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Immunity 28:735-9 (2008)
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PMID:19615405

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Functions of the cytoplasmic RNA sensors RIG-I and MDA-5: key regulators of innate immunity.

Pharmacol Ther 124:219-34 (2009)
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PMID:19120476

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Immunol Rev 227:66-74 (2009)
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PMID:18591413

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J Exp Med 205:1523-7 (2008)
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PMID:19076341

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Ann N Y Acad Sci 1143:1-20 (2008)
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PMID:18439848

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TRADD protein is an essential component of the RIG-like helicase antiviral pathway.

Immunity 28:651-61 (2008)
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PMID:18984593

Yoshida R, Takaesu G, Yoshida H, Okamoto F, Yoshioka T, Choi Y, Akira S, Kawai T, Yoshimura A, Kobayashi T

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

J Biol Chem 283:36211-20 (2008)
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PMID:19224920

Mikkelsen SS, Jensen SB, Chiliveru S, Melchjorsen J, Julkunen I, Gaestel M, Arthur JS, Flavell RA, Ghosh S, Paludan SR

RIG-I-mediated activation of p38 MAPK is essential for viral induction of interferon and activation of dendritic cells: dependence on TRAF2 and TAK1.

J Biol Chem 284:10774-82 (2009)
DOI:10.1074/jbc.M807272200