Host double-stranded RNA-induced antiviral response

The "host double-stranded RNA-induced antiviral response" describes a set of innate immune mechanisms that are activated when host cells recognize double-stranded RNA (dsRNA), which is a molecular signature associated with viral replication. Sensing of dsRNA is primarily mediated by pattern recognition receptors such as RIG-I, MDA5, and TLR3, which detect dsRNA in the cytoplasm or endosomes. Activation of these receptors triggers signaling cascades that lead to the production of type I interferons and other antiviral factors, establishing an antiviral state in both infected and neighboring cells. This response also involves apoptosis and RNAseL-mediated RNA degradation as additional defense mechanisms. While crucial for limiting viral infection, inappropriate activation of these pathways can lead to host tissue damage or inflammatory disease[1][3][4][5]. These antiviral mechanisms form part of the broader host innate immune system and are not a "target" in the conventional pharmacological sense, but components of the response are sometimes targeted in therapeutic or experimental settings.

Other names

Antiviral innate immune response to double-stranded RNAdsRNA-induced innate immune signalingviral dsRNA recognition pathwaysdsRNA-triggered host defense pathway