2'-5'-oligoadenylate synthase 1A (Oas1a)

Interferon-induced, dsRNA-activated antiviral enzyme which plays a critical role in cellular innate antiviral response. In addition, it may also play a role in other cellular processes such as apoptosis, cell growth, differentiation and gene regulation.

Synthesizes higher oligomers of 2'-5'-oligoadenylates (2-5A) from ATP which then bind to the inactive monomeric form of ribonuclease L (RNase L) resulting in its dimerization and subsequent activation. Activation of RNase L contributes to degradation of cellular in addition to viral RNA, resulting in the inhibition of protein synthesis, thus terminating viral replication.