RIG-I-like receptor

RIG-I-like receptors (RLRs) are a type of pattern recognition receptor (PRR) that are key components of the innate immune system. They are cytosolic receptors, meaning they are found within the cytoplasm of a cell, and they are responsible for detecting viral RNA and initiating an immune response.

Function

RLRs are responsible for recognizing viral RNA within the cytoplasm of a cell. When they detect viral RNA, they initiate a signaling cascade that leads to the production of interferons and other cytokines. These molecules then help to coordinate the immune response to the virus.

There are three main types of RLRs: RIG-I, MDA5, and LGP2. Each of these receptors recognizes different types of viral RNA, allowing the immune system to respond to a wide variety of viruses.

RIG-I

RIG-I (Retinoic acid-inducible gene I) is an RLR that recognizes short double-stranded RNA and 5'-triphosphate RNA. It is essential for the immune response to RNA viruses such as influenza virus and hepatitis C virus.

MDA5

MDA5 (Melanoma differentiation-associated protein 5) is an RLR that recognizes long double-stranded RNA. It is important for the immune response to picornaviruses, which are a type of RNA virus.

LGP2

LGP2 (Laboratory of genetics and physiology 2) is an RLR that does not have a signaling domain, and its role in the immune response is not fully understood. However, it is thought to regulate the activity of RIG-I and MDA5.

Clinical significance

Mutations in the genes encoding RLRs can lead to immune disorders. For example, mutations in the gene encoding MDA5 have been associated with a type of autoimmune disease called Aicardi-Goutières syndrome.

Furthermore, the activity of RLRs is also important in the context of autoimmunity and cancer. For example, overactivation of RLRs can lead to excessive production of interferons, which can contribute to autoimmune disease. On the other hand, activation of RLRs can also stimulate the immune response against cancer cells.

See also

• Pattern recognition receptor
• Innate immune system
• Interferon
• Cytokine
• Autoimmune disease
• Cancer

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