Interferon-induced GTP-binding protein Mx1 (MX1)

Interferon-induced GTP-binding protein Mx1 (MX1) is a cytoplasmic large GTPase of the dynamin superfamily, primarily induced by type I and II interferons. It plays a critical role in the innate immune response by providing resistance to a wide range of RNA and DNA viruses, including influenza and hepatitis B. MX1 acts by binding and sequestering viral components, thereby inhibiting different stages of the viral life cycle and blocking replication. It is regarded as a major effector in the antiviral interferon-induced pathway, and variations in its expression or function can influence susceptibility to viral infections[1][3][4][7][8].

Other names

Interferon-induced protein p78Myxoma resistance protein 1Myxovirus resistance protein 1IFI-78KIFI78MxAlncMX1-215MXMxInterferon-regulated resistance GTP-binding protein MxA

Antiviral mechanism—binds and inactivates viral ribonucleocapsids, prevents nuclear import or encases viral nucleoprotein in cytoplasmic complexes to block virus amplification and egress