Related Experiment Video
Updated: Jul 20, 2026

Two Methods of Heterokaryon Formation to Discover HCV Restriction Factors
Published on: July 16, 2012
Transfection of single-stranded hepatitis A virus RNA activates MHC class I pathway
K Suzuki1, M Yanagi, A Mori-Aoki
1Cell Regulation Section, Metabolic Diseases Branch, National Institute of Diabetes and Digestive and Kidney Diseases, National Institutes of Health, Maryland, USA. koichis@nih.go.jp
Abstract:
Although infection of single-stranded RNA viruses can enhance expression of major histocompatibility complex (MHC) class I genes, the mechanism underlying this process remains unclear. Recent studies have indicated that exposure of non-immune cells to double-stranded deoxyribonucleic acid (DNA) or ribonucleic acid (RNA) of viral origin can directly increase the expression of MHC class I and related molecules without immune cell interaction. In this report, we show that transfection of single-stranded hepatitis A virus RNA into cultured hepatocytes results in the induction of genes for MHC class I, LMP2 and transporter for antigen processing (TAP1), in addition to the generation of viral proteins. We suggest that this stimulatory effect is due to the double-stranded RNA formed during replication of single-stranded viral RNA, and involves both double-stranded, RNA-dependent protein kinase PKR and the secretion of IFNbeta.
Related Concept Videos
Antigen Processing Pathways
MHC Class I: Presenting Endogenous...
Immune Response Against Viral Pathogens
NK Cells
NK cells are a crucial part of our innate immune system, acting as the first line of defense against viral infections. These cells can recognize and kill infected cells without prior exposure to the virus, effectively slowing down the spread of infection. Additionally, NK cells produce proinflammatory...
Viruses with RNA Genomes
Hepatitis
Inhibitors Of Virion Release
Viral Hepatitis I: Introduction

