RNA regulatory mechanisms that control antiviral innate immunity

From the initial sensing of viral nucleotides by pattern recognition receptors, through the induction of type I and III interferons (IFN), upregulation of antiviral effector proteins, and resolution of the inflammatory response, each step of innate immune signaling is under tight control. Though innate immunity is often associated with broad regulation at the level of gene transcription, RNA-centric post-transcriptional processes have emerged as critical mechanisms for ensuring a proper antiviral response. Here, we explore the diverse RNA regulatory mechanisms that modulate the innate antiviral immune response, with a focus on RNA sensing by RIG-I-like receptors (RLR), interferon (IFN) and IFN signaling pathways, viral pathogenesis, and host genetic variation that contributes to these processes. We address the post-transcriptional interactions with RNA-binding proteins, non-coding RNAs, transcript elements, and modifications that control mRNA stability, as well as alternative splicing events that modulate the innate immune antiviral response.