Antiviral immune response

The **antiviral immune response** is not a single molecule or receptor but rather an integrated set of innate and adaptive defense mechanisms that protect the host from viral infections. It involves both non-specific responses—such as production of type I and III interferons by infected cells and activation of natural killer cells—and specific responses mediated by cytotoxic T lymphocytes (CD8+ T cells) and B cell-derived antibodies. Pattern recognition receptors like Toll-like receptors (TLRs), RIG-I-like receptors, cGAS-STING pathway components, dendritic cells, macrophages, and other effectors detect viral nucleic acids or proteins to trigger these pathways[1][2][3][4][7]. The antiviral state induced by these responses inhibits viral replication through multiple mechanisms including blocking mRNA translation in infected cells and activating hundreds of interferon-stimulated genes with pleiotropic effects[4]. While essential for controlling infection—such as those caused by coronaviruses—the antiviral immune response can also contribute to tissue damage if dysregulated. This term refers broadly to the collective action rather than any one molecular entity. Note: "Antiviral immune response" is *not* a canonical therapeutic target such as an enzyme or receptor but describes a complex biological process involving many targets. For structured data purposes it should be flagged as incorrect/not suitable for use where only discrete molecular targets are valid entries[1][2].

Other names

Antiviral immune responseAntiviral immunityImmune response to viruses