Retinoic acid-inducible gene I receptor (RIG-I)

RIG-I is a cytosolic pattern recognition receptor (PRR) that plays a critical role in the innate immune system by detecting viral RNA within cells. It is essential for initiating antiviral responses, particularly through the induction of type I interferons (IFN-α/β), which help limit viral spread and activate both innate and adaptive immunity. It recognizes short double-stranded RNAs (dsRNA) or single-stranded RNAs with blunt ends bearing a 5′ triphosphate or diphosphate group. Upon binding its ligand, RIG-I undergoes conformational change exposing CARDs, which interact with mitochondrial antiviral signaling protein (MAVS), triggering downstream signaling pathways.

Activation of MAVS-dependent signaling pathways, leading to transcription of type I interferons and pro-inflammatory cytokines.