Pattern recognition receptors sensing influenza RNA (RNA-sensing PRRs)

Innate pattern recognition receptors (PRRs) sensing influenza RNA are a group of immune sensors that detect viral genetic material to initiate an antiviral response. The primary sensors include Retinoic acid-inducible gene I (RIG-I), which detects 5-triphosphorylated or diphosphorylated short double-stranded RNA in the cytoplasm (Hornung et al., 2006, Science), and Toll-like receptors 7 and 8 (TLR7/8), which recognize single-stranded RNA within endosomes (Diebold et al., 2004, Science). Upon activation, these receptors trigger signaling cascades involving adapter proteins like MAVS or MyD88, leading to the production of Type I interferons and pro-inflammatory cytokines (Kawai & Akira, 2010, Nature Immunology). While essential for clearing the influenza virus, overactivation of these pathways can lead to a "cytokine storm" and severe lung pathology (Teijaro et al., 2011, Science). Therapeutic strategies involve using agonists as vaccine adjuvants or antivirals, and antagonists to mitigate hyper-inflammation during severe infection (Pang & Iwasaki, 2011, Mucosal Immunology). Drugs like Imiquimod and Resiquimod target these pathways to enhance immune detection, while others are in development to modulate the intensity of the response.

Other names

Innate RNA sensorsViral RNA pattern recognition receptorsRIG-I-like receptorsToll-like receptorsRLRsTLRsRIG-ITLR7TLR8TLR3

Agonism of these receptors stimulates the innate immune system by mimicking viral RNA, leading to the induction of interferons and cytokines that restrict viral replication and enhance vaccine efficacy.