The IFIH1 gene provides instructions for making the MDA5 protein, which plays an important role in innate immunity, the body’s early, response to foreign invaders (pathogens) such as viruses and bacteria. In particular, the MDA5 protein recognizes a molecule called double-stranded RNA (a chemical cousin of DNA). Certain viruses, including rhinovirus (the virus that causes the common cold), respiratory syncytial virus (RSV), and the influenza (flu) virus, use RNA as their genetic material or produce RNA when they infect cells and copy (replicate) themselves. Another subset of viruses has DNA as their genetic material.
MDA5 proteins attach themselves to pieces of viral RNA inside the cell, forming a filament. This stimulates signals that turn on the production of immune system proteins called interferons. Interferons control the activity of genes that help block viruses from replicating themselves and stimulate the activity of certain immune system cells to fight infection. Interferons also help regulate inflammation, which is another part of the body’s innate immune response.
Other Names
IDDM19; interferon-induced helicase C domain-containing protein 1; MDA-5; MDA5; melanoma differentiation-associated gene 5; melanoma differentiation-associated protein 5; murabutide down-regulated protein; RIG-I-like receptor 2; RLR-2; RNA helicase-DEAD box protein 116
Related Genetics Topics
Identifiers
- NCBI Gene: 64135
- OMIM: 182250
- OMIM: 606951
Source: MedlinePlus Genetics, U.S. National Library of Medicine.
