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Updated: May 29, 2026

Dissecting Innate Immune Signaling in Viral Evasion of Cytokine Production
Published on: March 2, 2014
Orchestrating the interferon antiviral response through the mitochondrial antiviral signaling (MAVS) adapter
S Mehdi Belgnaoui1, Suzanne Paz, John Hiscott
1Terry Fox Molecular Oncology Group, Lady Davis Institute, Jewish General Hospital, Canada.
Abstract:
Sensing of RNA virus infection by the RIG-I-like receptors (RLRs) engages a complex signaling cascade that utilizes the mitochondrial antiviral signaling (MAVS) adapter protein to orchestrate the innate host response to pathogen, ultimately leading to the induction of antiviral and inflammatory responses mediated by type I interferon (IFN) and NF-κB pathways. MAVS is localized to the outer mitochondrial membrane, and has been associated with peroxisomes, the endoplasmic reticulum and autophagosomes, where it coordinates signaling events downstream of RLRs. MAVS not only plays a pivotal role in the induction of antiviral and inflammatory pathways but is also involved in the coordination of apoptotic and metabolic functions. This review summarizes recent findings related to the MAVS adapter and its essential role in the innate immune response to RNA viruses.
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