Shapeshifting RNAs guide innate immunity [Immunology]

The innate immune system can distinguish between RNAs of viral and cellular origin, but the basis for this discrimination is not known. A new paper by Calderon and Conn demonstrates that conformational plasticity determines the ability of one RNA sequence to bind to and activate the pattern recognition receptor OAS1/RNase L. In identifying a novel mode through which the immune response is naturally controlled, this finding opens new avenues toward developing approaches for the management of a wide range of viral infections. (Source: Journal of Biological Chemistry)

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