Mitochondrial antiviral-signaling protein (MAVS)

Required for innate immune defense against viruses. Acts downstream of DHX33, DDX58/RIG-I and IFIH1/MDA5, which detect intracellular dsRNA produced during viral replication, to organize pathways resulting in the activation of NF-kappa-B, IRF3 and IRF7, as well as the subsequent induction of antiviral cytokines such as IFN-beta and RANTES (CCL5).

Peroxisomal and mitochondrial MAVS act sequentially to create an antiviral cellular state. Upon viral infection, peroxisomal MAVS induces the rapid interferon- independent expression of defense factors that provide short-term protection, whereas mitochondrial MAVS triggers an interferon- dependent signaling pathway with delayed kinetics, which amplifies and stabilizes the antiviral response.