dsRNA Induction Pathway

One defense against viral infection is provided by PKR, double-stranded RNA activated protein kinase. When PKR interacts with dsRNA found in cells during viral infection, PKR phosphorylates itself and cellular proteins including the translation factor elF2a and the transcription factor NF-kB. The repression of translation caused by phosphorylation of elF2a prevents cells from producing viral proteins and creating infectious viral particles. PKR phosphorylation of I-kB kinase activates NF-kB to induce transcription of inflammatory factors and stimulate an immune response that impedes viral infection. The PKR kinase is induced by interferon and some of the anti-viral activity of interferon may be mediated by PKR. Some viruses have evolved mechanisms to inactivate PKR to promote successful infection. Another substrate of PKR, the tumor suppressor p53, may be involved in potential PKR regulation of the cell cycle and apoptosis. (NCI Thesaurus/BIOCARTA)

YOU MAY ALSO LIKE

DSP wt Allele

Human DSP wild-type allele is located in the vicinity of 6p24 and is approximately 45 kb in length. This allele, which encodes…

DSP Gene

This gene is involved in desmosome structure.

DSMB

Data and Safety Monitoring Board. An impartial group that oversees a clinical trial and reviews the results to see if they are…

DSG3 wt Allele

Human DSG3 wild-type allele is located in the vicinity of 18q12.1 and is approximately 31 kb in length. This allele, which encodes…

DSG3 Gene

This gene plays a role in cell-cell adhesion.

DS Stage III Plasma Cell Myeloma

Plasma cell myeloma with one or more of the following: 1. Hemoglobin less than 8.5 g/dL. 2. Serum calcium greater than 12.0…