Innate immune RNA pattern-recognition receptors (RNA PRRs)

Innate immune RNA pattern-recognition receptors (PRRs) are a diverse class of sensors that detect viral and endogenous RNA to trigger immune signaling [1]. This group includes endosomal receptors like Toll-like receptor 3 (TLR3), TLR7, and TLR8, as well as cytosolic sensors such as Retinoic acid-inducible gene I (RIG-I) and Melanoma differentiation-associated protein 5 (MDA5) [2][3]. Upon activation, these receptors recruit specific adapter proteins (e.g., TRIF or MAVS) to induce the expression of type I interferons and pro-inflammatory cytokines via IRF and NF-κB pathways [4]. They are essential for antiviral defense, but their chronic activation by self-RNA is implicated in autoimmune diseases like systemic lupus erythematosus and Aicardi-Goutières syndrome [5][6]. In drug development, RNA PRR agonists such as imiquimod and rintatolimod are used or investigated as antivirals, vaccine adjuvants, and oncology therapeutics to stimulate innate and adaptive immunity [7][8]. This entry is marked as incorrect because it represents a broad functional class of multiple distinct receptor families rather than a single molecular target.

Other names

RNA-sensing pattern recognition receptorsEndosomal and cytosolic RNA sensorsRNA-sensing PRRsInnate RNA sensors

Agonism of endosomal or cytosolic sensors to induce type I interferon and pro-inflammatory cytokine production; Antagonism to inhibit pathological immune activation.