Interferon-induced helicase C domain-containing protein 1 (IFIH1)

Innate immune receptor which acts as a cytoplasmic sensor of viral nucleic acids also plays a significant role in sensing viral infection and in the activation of a cascade of antiviral responses including the induction of type I interferons and proinflammatory cytokines. Its ligands include mRNA lacking 2'-O- methylation in their 5' cap and long-dsRNA (>1 kb in length).

Upon ligand binding it associates with mitochondria antiviral signaling protein (MAVS/IPS1) which activates the IKK-related kinases: TBK1 and IKBKE that phosphorylate interferon regulatory factors: IRF3 and IRF7 which in turn activate transcription of antiviral immunological genes, such as interferons (IFNs); IFN-alpha and IFN-beta. Responsible for discovering the Picornaviridae family members like encephalomyocarditis virus (EMCV) and mengo encephalomyocarditis virus (ENMG).