MasterCARD: a priceless link to innate immunity.
Intracellular viral infection is detected by the cytoplasmic RNA helicase RIG-I, which has an essential role in initiating the host antiviral response. The adaptor molecule that connects RIG-I sensing of incoming viral RNA to downstream signaling and gene activation has recently been elucidated by four independent research groups, and has been ascribed four different names: MAVS, IPS-1, VISA and Cardif. The fact that MAVS/IPS-1/VISA/Cardif localizes to the mitochondrial membrane suggests a link between viral infection, mitochondrial function and development of innate immunity. Furthermore, the hepatitis C virus NS3/4A protease specifically cleaves MAVS/IPS-1/VISA/Cardif as part of its immune-evasion strategy. These studies highlight a novel role for the mitochondria and for caspase activation and recruitment domain (CARD)-containing proteins in coordinating immune and apoptotic responses.
Hiscott
John
J
Lady Davis Institute for Medical Research--Jewish General Hospital, Department of Microbiology & Immunology, McGill University, Montreal, QC, H3T 1E2, Canada. john.hiscott@mcgill.ca
Lin
Rongtuan
R
Nakhaei
Peyman
P
Paz
Suzanne
S
D000818:Animals; D017209:Apoptosis; D020169:Caspases / Q000378:metabolism; D006801:Humans; D007113:Immunity, Innate / Q000276:immunology*; D008928:Mitochondria / Q000378:metabolism*; D024101:Mitochondrial Proteins / Q000378:metabolism*; D016328:NF-kappa B / Q000378:metabolism*
D024101:Mitochondrial Proteins; D016328:NF-kappa B; D020169:Caspases