title: Viruses and RNA interference: issues and controversies.
abstract: The question of whether any mammalian cells are able to mount an effective RNA interference-mediated antiviral innate immune response has remained highly controversial. In this Gem, I review recent data addressing this important issue and propose a testable hypothesis that can explain many of the apparently contradictory results published in this area of research.
authors.affiliation: Department of Molecular Genetics & Microbiology and Center for Virology, Duke University Medical Center, Durham, North Carolina, USA bryan.cullen@duke.edu.
authors.forename: Bryan R
authors.initials: BR
authors.lastname: Cullen
mesh_terms: D000818:Animals; D006801:Humans; D034622:RNA Interference; D012367:RNA, Viral / Q000037:antagonists & inhibitors*; D014780:Viruses / Q000276:immunology*
chemical_list: D012367:RNA, Viral