title: Is RNA interference a physiologically relevant innate antiviral immune response in mammals?
abstract: While RNA interference (RNAi) functions as an antiviral response in plants, nematodes, and arthropods, a similar antiviral role in mammals has remained controversial. Three recent papers provide evidence that either favors or challenges this hypothesis. Here, we discuss these new findings in the context of previous research.
authors.affiliation: Department of Molecular Genetics & Microbiology and Center for Virology, Duke University Medical Center, Durham, NC 27710, USA. Electronic address: bryan.cullen@duke.edu.
authors.forename: Bryan R
authors.initials: BR
authors.lastname: Cullen
authors.forename: Sara
authors.initials: S
authors.lastname: Cherry
authors.forename: Benjamin R
authors.initials: BR
authors.lastname: tenOever
mesh_terms: D000818:Animals; D015967:Gene Expression Regulation, Viral / Q000187:drug effects*; D006801:Humans; D007113:Immunity, Innate; D008322:Mammals / Q000276:immunology*; D034622:RNA Interference; D012328:RNA Viruses / Q000276:immunology*