Slicing and dicing viruses: antiviral RNA interference in mammals. (15th March 2019)

• Record Type: Journal Article
• Authors: Maillard, Pierre V; van der Veen, Annemarthe G; Poirier, Enzo Z; Reis e Sousa, Caetano
• Is Part Of: EMBO journal. Volume 38:Number 8(2019)
• Page Start: n/a
• Page End: n/a
• Publication Date: 2019-03-15
• Subjects: antiviral immunity -- Dicer -- double‐stranded RNA -- interferons -- RNA interference; Molecular biology -- Periodicals; 572.805
• DOI: 10.15252/embj.2018100941
• Languages: English
• ISSNs: 0261-4189

Abstract

Abstract: To protect against the harmful consequences of viral infections, organisms are equipped with sophisticated antiviral mechanisms, including cell‐intrinsic means to restrict viral replication and propagation. Plant and invertebrate cells utilise mostly RNA interference (RNAi), an RNA‐based mechanism, for cell‐intrinsic immunity to viruses while vertebrates rely on the protein‐based interferon (IFN)‐driven innate immune system for the same purpose. The RNAi machinery is conserved in vertebrate cells, yet whether antiviral RNAi is still active in mammals and functionally relevant to mammalian antiviral defence is intensely debated. Here, we discuss cellular and viral factors that impact on antiviral RNAi and the contexts in which this system might be at play in mammalian resistance to viral infection. Abstract : This review discusses the current debate about the role of siRNA as a cell‐intrinsic mechanism of antiviral defense in mammals, its interplay with the highly potent antiviral IFN system, and the possible contexts in which this pathway might play a role.